The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 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 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 Saying: "We believe 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 said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51