The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 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 you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 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 threw his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51