Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish 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 his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51