[Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said to the chiefs around him: "Verily! This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer. 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 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 what you have to cast." 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 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 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will crucify you all. 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51