[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Firaun, indeed victory is ours!” 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 49 They said, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51