Some of the Pharaoh's nobles considered him to be no more than a skillful magician 109 “He wishes to expel you all from your kingdom; so what do you advise?” 110 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 111 "To bring all the wise magicians to you." 112 The sorcerers came to Pharaoh. They said: 'Shall we be rewarded if we are the winners' 113 He answered: Yes, and surely ye shall be of those brought near (to me). 114 So they said: "O Moses, you may cast your spell first, or we shall cast ours." 115 He replied, "Throw yours first." Their great magic bewitched people's eyes and terrified them. 116 We inspired Moses to throw his staff, and suddenly it began to swallow-up all that the magicians had (falsely) invented. 117 ۞ Thus truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect. 118 And Pharaoh and his people were overcome right there and became debased. 119 And the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 120 saying, "We declare our belief in the Lord of the Universe, 121 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 122 Said Pharaoh: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Behold, this is indeed a plot which you have cunningly devised in this [my] city in order to drive out its people hence! But in time you shall come to know, [my revenge]: 123 I will cut off your hands and feet on the alternate sides and crucify you all." 124 The magicians said, "We will certainly return to Our Lord. 125 "But thou dost wreak thy vengeance on us simply because we believed in the Signs of our Lord when they reached us! Our Lord! pour out on us patience and constancy, and take our souls unto thee as Muslims (who bow to thy will)! 126