[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 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 said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 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 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will 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