Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Fir'awn said: ye believed in him ere I gave you leave. Verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic, so ye shall surely come to know. Surely I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and surely I shall crucify you all. 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51