The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to 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 Then Musa (Moses) threw his stick, and behold, it swallowed up all the falsehoods which they showed! 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51