The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 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 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 He said: "Yea, (and more),- for ye shall in that case be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person)." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going 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 his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 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 'There is no harm' they replied, 'for surely to our Lord we are turning. 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51