Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: put off him and his brother, and send unto the cities callers. 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you 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 Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 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, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51