(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful 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 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51