Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Musa (Moses) said to them: "Throw what you are going to throw!" 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51