[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51