Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known 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 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51