Said Firaun to the court members around him, “He is indeed an expert magician.” 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51