Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be 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: "Yea, (and more),- for ye shall in that case be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person)." 42 Musa (Moses) said to them: "Throw what you are going to throw!" 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 Fir'awn said: ye believed in him ere I gave you leave. Verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic, so ye shall surely come to know. Surely I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and surely I shall crucify you all. 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51