Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 Now when the sorcerers came, they said unto Pharaoh: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail. 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 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 Therefore Moosa put forth his staff – so it immediately began swallowing all their fabrications. 45 The magicians fell down in adoration 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51