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, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 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 said unto them: Throw what ye are going 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 cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51