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, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 Then, when the sorcerers came to Pharaoh, they said: 'Shall we receive a wage if we win' 41 He said: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 [Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said: "You have believed in him before I give you leave. Surely, he indeed is your chief, who has taught you magic! So verily, you shall come to know. Verily, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all." 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51