Fir'awn said unto the chiefs around him: verily this is a magician knowing. 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 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 hope that our Lord will forgive us our mistakes, as we are the first to believe.” 51