(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you 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 replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 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 cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51