Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 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 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (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, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51