The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 He said: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 “The Lord of Moosa and Haroon.” 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 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51