(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Musa (Moses) said to them: "Throw what you are going to throw!" 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51