(Pharaoh) said to the Chiefs around him: "This is indeed a sorcerer well-versed: 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 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 Moses and Aaron. 48 Said Firaun, “You accepted faith in him before I permitted you! He is indeed your leader who taught you magic; so now you will come to know; I swear, I will certainly cut off your hands and your feet from alternate sides, and crucify all of you.” 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 offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51