The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said: put off him and his brother, and send unto the cities callers. 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 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 'There is no harm' they replied, 'for surely to our Lord we are turning. 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51