Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Moses threw his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! 45 The magicians therefore 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, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51