The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners." 40 Now when the sorcerers came, they said unto Pharaoh: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail. 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Sustainer 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: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 “We hope that our Lord will forgive us our mistakes, as we are the first to believe.” 51