Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 "And bring up to thee all (our) sorcerers well-versed." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord.” 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51