The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about 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 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 Crying: 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 matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51