Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 "And bring up to thee all (our) sorcerers well-versed." 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 “The Lord of Moosa and Haroon.” 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51