(Pharaoh) said to the Chiefs around him: "This is indeed a sorcerer well-versed: 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He said: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51