Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 Then Musa (Moses) threw his stick, and behold, it swallowed up all the falsehoods which they showed! 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said Firaun, “You accepted faith in him before I permitted you! He is indeed your leader who taught you magic; so now you will come to know; I swear, I will certainly cut off your hands and your feet from alternate sides, and crucify all of you.” 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51