Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled 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: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw 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 cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord 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: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51