The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51