(Pharaoh) said unto the chiefs about him: Lo! this is verily a knowing wizard, 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 Then Musa (Moses) threw his stick, and behold, it swallowed up all the falsehoods which they showed! 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51