Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51