Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 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: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 [Pharaoh] said, "You believed Moses before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic, but you are going to know. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all." 49 They said, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51