[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed 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 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51