Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Fir'awn said: ye believed in him ere I gave you leave. Verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic, so ye shall surely come to know. Surely I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and surely I shall crucify you all. 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51