Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 Then, when the sorcerers came to Pharaoh, they said: 'Shall we receive a wage if we win' 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51