The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They said: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51