The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 So they threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Firaun, indeed victory is ours!” 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 and 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 'There is no harm' they replied, 'for surely to our Lord we are turning. 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51