Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51