Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 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 off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 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, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 'There is no harm' they replied, 'for surely to our Lord we are turning. 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51