(Pharaoh) said to the Chiefs around him: "This is indeed a sorcerer well-versed: 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 [Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said: "You have believed in him before I give you leave. Surely, he indeed is your chief, who has taught you magic! So verily, you shall come to know. Verily, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all." 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51