(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said: "Yea, (and more),- for ye shall in that case be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person)." 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 44 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will crucify you all. 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51