Fir'awn said unto the chiefs around him: verily this is a magician knowing. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said: "Yea, (and more),- for ye shall in that case be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person)." 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Moses threw his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all 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 said, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord.” 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51