Said the chieftains of Firaun’s people, “He is really an expert magician.” 109 who seeks to drive you from your land!" Pharaoh said, "What then do you advise?" 110 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 111 who should bring to you every skillful magician." 112 And the wizards came to Pharaoh, saying: Surely there will be a reward for us if we are victors. 113 Answered [Pharaoh]: "Yes; and verily, you shall be among those who are near unto me." 114 They said: O Moses! Either throw (first) or let us be the first throwers? 115 He said, "You throw [first]!" When they made their cast, they bewitched the eyes of the people and struck them with awe, for they showed a great [feat of] magic. 116 And [then] We inspired Moses, "Throw down thy staff!" - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions: 117 ۞ Thus truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect. 118 So they were defeated there and then, and were returned disgraced. 119 But the sorcerers fell down prostrate in adoration. 120 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 121 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 122 Said Pharaoh: "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? Surely this is a trick which ye have planned in the city to drive out its people: but soon shall ye know (the consequences). 123 I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 124 They replied, "We shall surely return to our Lord. 125 You would take revenge on us only because we believed in the signs of our Lord when they came to us. Lord, pour patience upon us and let us die as submitters (Muslims)' 126