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. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast down their cords and their rods and said: By Firon's power, we shall most surely be victorious. 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 have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51