(Pharaoh) said unto the chiefs about him: Lo! this is verily a knowing wizard, 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51