The elders of Pharaoh's people said: 'Surely this man is a skilful magician 109 He would drive you forth from your land; so what is it that ye enjoin? 110 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait awhile, and send unto all cities heralds 111 to bring together at the Pharaohs court all the skillful magicians. 112 And the sorcerers came to Pharaoh, saying, 'We shall surely have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 113 He said, 'Yes, indeed; and you shall be among the near-stationed.' 114 So they said: "O Moses, you may cast your spell first, or we shall cast ours." 115 He said, "You throw [first]!" When they made their cast, they bewitched the eyes of the people and struck them with awe, for they showed a great [feat of] magic. 116 And We inspired to Moses, "Throw your staff," and at once it devoured what they were falsifying. 117 ۞ Thus the truth was upheld, and the falsehood that they practised was exposed. 118 So the (great ones) were vanquished there and then, and were made to look small. 119 And the sorcerers prostrated themselves 120 and said, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe, 121 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 122 Pharaoh said, "You dare believe in Him before I have given you permission? Behold, this is indeed a plot which you have devised in this city in order to drive its people out. But you shall soon know the consequences, 123 Surely I shall have your hands and feet cut off upon alternate sides. Then I shall crucify you every one. 124 They said, “We shall return to our Lord.” 125 Thou takest vengeance on us only forasmuch as we believed the tokens of our Lord when they came unto us. Our Lord! Vouchsafe unto us steadfastness and make us die as men who have surrendered (unto Thee). 126