Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51