(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 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: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51