Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do 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 will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 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 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 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 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 Fir'awn said: ye believed in him ere I gave you leave. Verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic, so ye shall surely come to know. Surely I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and surely I shall crucify you all. 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51