'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 "And bring up to thee all (our) sorcerers well-versed." 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 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 the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 “The Lord of Moosa and Haroon.” 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, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord.” 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51