(Pharaoh) said to the Chiefs around him: "This is indeed a sorcerer well-versed: 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all 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 matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51