The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about 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 that which they had devised. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51