(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 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: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 "Verily! We really hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, as we are the first of the believers [in Musa (Moses) and in the Monotheism which he has brought from Allah]." 51