Fir'awn said unto the chiefs around him: verily this is a magician knowing. 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 And when the wizards came they said unto Pharaoh: Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners? 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 saying, "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 said, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord.” 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51