Fir'awn said unto the chiefs around him: verily this is a magician knowing. 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 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) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast down their cords and their rods and said: By Firon's power, we shall most surely be victorious. 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). 47 the Sustainer 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 harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51