The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 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 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 their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51