Said the Council of the people of Pharaoh, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 109 who wants to drive you out of your land! " [Said Pharaoh:] "What, then, do you advise?" 110 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 111 That they may bring to you every enchanter possessed of knowledge. 112 And so the sorcerers came to Fir'aun (Pharaoh). They said: "Indeed there will be a (good) reward for us if we are the victors." 113 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 114 So they said: "O Moses, you may cast your spell first, or we shall cast ours." 115 He said: Throw! And when they threw they cast a spell upon the people's eyes, and overawed them, and produced a mighty spell. 116 And We inspired Moses (saying): Throw thy staff! And lo! it swallowed up their lying show. 117 ۞ Thus truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect. 118 And thus were they vanquished there and then, and became utterly humiliated. 119 And the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 120 saying, "We declare our belief in the Lord of the Universe, 121 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 122 Said Pharaoh: "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? Surely this is a trick which ye have planned in the city to drive out its people: but soon shall ye know (the consequences). 123 "I will have your hands and feet on alternate sides cut off, and have you all crucified." 124 They said, "Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 125 "But thou dost wreak thy vengeance on us simply because we believed in the Signs of our Lord when they reached us! Our Lord! pour out on us patience and constancy, and take our souls unto thee as Muslims (who bow to thy will)! 126