The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51