Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51