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 magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 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 said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord.” 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51