Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 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 indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 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: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51