Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Musa (Moses) threw his stick, and behold, it swallowed up all the falsehoods which they showed! 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51