Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He said: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51