The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 "And bring up to thee all (our) sorcerers well-versed." 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 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 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 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: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51