Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they cast down their cords and their rods and said: By Firon's power, we shall most surely be victorious. 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of 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 said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51