Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: put off him and his brother, and send unto the cities callers. 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 So they threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Firaun, indeed victory is ours!” 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51