The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever 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 and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 [Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said: "You have believed in him before I give you leave. Surely, he indeed is your chief, who has taught you magic! So verily, you shall come to know. Verily, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all." 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51