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 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51