[Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said to the chiefs around him: "Verily! This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer. 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish 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 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 The magicians fell down in adoration 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 [Pharaoh] said, "You believed Moses before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic, but you are going to know. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all." 49 They said, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord.” 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51