Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards 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 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses threw his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of 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 answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51