Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51