Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 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 answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51