The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 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 threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 and 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! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51