The elders of Pharaoh's people said: 'Surely this man is a skilful magician 109 “He wishes to expel you all from your kingdom; so what do you advise?” 110 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send announcers to the cities to gather people.” 111 to summon every skilful magician to your presence.' 112 And the magicians came to Pharaoh and said: 'Shall we have a reward if we win?' 113 He answered: Yes, and surely ye shall be of those brought near (to me). 114 They said: "O Musa (Moses)! Either you throw (first), or shall we have the (first) throw?" 115 He said: Throw! And when they threw they cast a spell upon the people's eyes, and overawed them, and produced a mighty spell. 116 Then We revealed to Moses: 'Now, throw down your staff' And thereupon it swallowed up their false invention. 117 ۞ Thus the truth was upheld, and the falsehood that they practised was exposed. 118 So the (great ones) were vanquished there and then, and were made to look small. 119 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves 120 and said, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe, 121 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 122 Pharaoh said: 'What! Do you believe before you have my permission? Surely this is a plot you have contrived to drive out the rulers from the capital. So you shall see, 123 "I will have your hands and feet on alternate sides cut off, and have you all crucified." 124 They answered: "We have (in any case) to go back to our Lord. 125 You would punish us only because we believed in the signs of our Lord when they were shown to us. Our Lord, pour patience upon us, and cause us to die in a state of submission to You." 126