Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He said: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (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: no harm! verily unto our Lord 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