[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 So they cast down their cords and their rods and said: By Firon's power, we shall most surely be victorious. 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 They said: 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: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51