Said Firaun to the court members around him, “He is indeed an expert magician.” 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 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 shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51