Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51