The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 Now when the sorcerers came, they said unto Pharaoh: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail. 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 what you have to cast." 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 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 answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51