Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 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: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 42 Musa (Moses) said to them: "Throw what you are going to 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 threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 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 answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51