[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 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 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 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: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51