Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 So when the magicians came, they said to Firaun, “Will we get some reward if we are victorious?” 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51