(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and 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 offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51