Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 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, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 So they threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Firaun, indeed victory is ours!” 44 Then Musa (Moses) threw his stick, and behold, it swallowed up all the falsehoods which they showed! 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51