Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 And when the wizards came they said unto Pharaoh: Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners? 41 He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51