The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 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 down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51