(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw 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 Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 the Lord of Moses and 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 'There is no harm' they replied, 'for surely to our Lord we are turning. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51