[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast down their cords and their rods and said: By Firon's power, we shall most surely be victorious. 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said, “No harm (in it), we will 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