(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is 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, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down 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 cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 [Pharaoh] said, "You believed Moses before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic, but you are going to know. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all." 49 They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51