(Pharaoh) said unto the chiefs about him: Lo! this is verily a knowing wizard, 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 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 (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: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51