The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to 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 Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51