The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 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 indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Musa (Moses) threw his stick, and behold, it swallowed up all the falsehoods which they showed! 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord.” 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51