The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 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 said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51