[Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said to the chiefs around him: "Verily! This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer. 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Firaun, indeed victory is ours!” 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return 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