Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 "And bring up to thee all (our) sorcerers well-versed." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they cast down their cords and their rods and said: By Firon's power, we shall most surely be victorious. 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51