The elders of Pharaoh's people said: 'Surely this man is a skilful magician 109 who seeks to drive you out from your land. What would you have us do?' 110 Then they advised Pharaoh: 'Put off Moses and his brother for a while, and send forth heralds to your cities 111 And bring up to thee all (our) sorcerers well-versed." 112 And the magicians came to Pharaoh and asked, "Shall we have a reward, if we should prevail?" 113 'Yes' he answered, 'and you will be among those near' 114 They said: "O Moses! Either thou shalt throw [thy staff first,] or we shall [be the first to] 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 directed Moses: 'Now you throw your rod.' And lo! it swallowed up all their false devices. 117 ۞ Thus the Truth prevailed and their false art was banished. 118 So they were vanquished there, and they turned about, humbled. 119 And the wizards fell down prostrate, 120 [and] exclaiming: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 121 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 122 Said Pharaoh: "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? Surely this is a trick which ye have planned in the city to drive out its people: but soon shall ye know (the consequences). 123 I will cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and then crucify you all' 124 They said, “We shall return to our Lord.” 125 And what is it for which thou takest vengeance on us save that we have believed in the signs of our Lord when they came unto us? Our Lord! pour out upon us perseverance and cause us to die as Muslims. 126