The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51