(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the sorcerers were got together for the appointment of a day well-known, 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 the Lord of Moses and 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: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51