(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51