Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 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 surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 Fir'awn said: ye believed in him ere I gave you leave. Verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic, so ye shall surely come to know. Surely I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and surely I shall crucify you all. 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51