Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going 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 the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51