(Pharaoh) said to the Chiefs around him: "This is indeed a sorcerer well-versed: 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 Therefore Moosa put forth his staff – so it immediately began swallowing all their fabrications. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51