Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 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 threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of 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 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 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: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51