Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled 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 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 [Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said: "You have believed in him before I give you leave. Surely, he indeed is your chief, who has taught you magic! So verily, you shall come to know. Verily, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all." 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51