Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the sorcerers were got together for the appointment of a day well-known, 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said Firaun, “You accepted faith in him before I permitted you! He is indeed your leader who taught you magic; so now you will come to know; I swear, I will certainly cut off your hands and your feet from alternate sides, and crucify all of you.” 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51