(Pharaoh) said unto the chiefs about him: Lo! this is verily a knowing wizard, 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 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 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