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, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 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, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51