Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 Then, when the sorcerers came to Pharaoh, they said: 'Shall we receive a wage if we win' 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 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 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They said: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51