Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners." 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 you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and 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 'There is no harm' they replied, 'for surely to our Lord we are turning. 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51