[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down 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 The magicians fell down in adoration 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 and 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 will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51