Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 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 threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Firaun, indeed victory is ours!” 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Fir'awn said: ye believed in him ere I gave you leave. Verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic, so ye shall surely come to know. Surely I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and surely I shall crucify you all. 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51