(Pharaoh) said unto the chiefs about him: Lo! this is verily a knowing wizard, 34 "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 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, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 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 Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 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 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51