The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51