Some of the Pharaoh's nobles considered him to be no more than a skillful magician 109 Who would expel you from your land. Now what do ye advise? 110 The others suggested holding Moses and his brother off and sending to all the cities 111 That they may bring to you every enchanter possessed of knowledge. 112 And the sorcerers came unto Pharaoh [and] said: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail." 113 Pharaoh replied: 'Certainly, and you shall be among those who are near to me.' 114 They said, “O Moosa! You may throw first – or shall we be the first to throw?” 115 "You cast it first," answered Moses. When they cast their spell, they bewitched the eyes of the people and petrified them by conjuring up a great charm. 116 Then We directed Moses: 'Now you throw your rod.' And lo! it swallowed up all their false devices. 117 ۞ Thus the truth was upheld, and the falsehood that they practised was exposed. 118 They were therefore defeated here and they turned back humiliated. 119 The sorcerers fell to the ground in homage, 120 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 121 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 122 Said Pharaoh, "You believed in him before I gave you permission. Indeed, this is a conspiracy which you conspired in the city to expel therefrom its people. But you are going to know. 123 "Surely, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, then I will crucify you all." 124 They said: Lo! We are about to return unto our Lord! 125 Thou takest vengeance on us only forasmuch as we believed the tokens of our Lord when they came unto us. Our Lord! Vouchsafe unto us steadfastness and make us die as men who have surrendered (unto Thee). 126