Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 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 replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about 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 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51