(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 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, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51