[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said: put off him and his brother, and send unto the cities callers. 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 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 lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 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: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51