(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 44 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51