Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said: "Yea, (and more),- for ye shall in that case be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person)." 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51