Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 And when the wizards came they said unto Pharaoh: Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners? 41 He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down 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 that which they had devised. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will crucify you all. 49 They said: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51