The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 Then, when the sorcerers came to Pharaoh, they said: 'Shall we receive a wage if we win' 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51