[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 And when the magicians came, they said to Firon: Shall we get a reward if we are the vanquishers? 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 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 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