Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51