Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 [Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said: "You have believed in him before I give you leave. Surely, he indeed is your chief, who has taught you magic! So verily, you shall come to know. Verily, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all." 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51