(Pharaoh) said unto the chiefs about him: Lo! this is verily a knowing wizard, 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 40 And when the wizards came they said unto Pharaoh: Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners? 41 He said: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 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: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51