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, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were got together for the appointment of a day well-known, 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 And when the magicians came, they said to Firon: Shall we get a reward if we are the vanquishers? 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you 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 that which they had devised. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51