[Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said to the chiefs around him: "Verily! This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer. 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 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 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 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 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will crucify you all. 49 They said: "There will be no harm. We shall 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