The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said: put off him and his brother, and send unto the cities callers. 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the sorcerers were got together for the appointment of a day well-known, 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 They said: 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, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51