(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 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 (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51