Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the sorcerers were got together for the appointment of a day well-known, 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51