Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 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 Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51