[Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said to the chiefs around him: "Verily! This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer. 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 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: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51