The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners." 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will crucify you all. 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return 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