The elders of Pharaoh's people said: 'Surely this man is a skilful magician 109 who seeks to drive you from your land!" Pharaoh said, "What then do you advise?" 110 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 111 "To bring all the wise magicians to you." 112 And the magicians came to Pharaoh. They said, "Indeed for us is a reward if we are the predominant." 113 The Pharaoh replied, "In addition to your rewards, you will become my close friends thereafter." 114 They said: "O Moses! wilt thou throw (first), or shall we have the (first) throw?" 115 He answered: "You throw [first]." And when they threw down [their staffs,] they cast a spell upon the people's eyes, and struck them with awe, and produced mighty sorcery. 116 And We inspired Moosa that, “Put forth your staff”; it immediately began swallowing up their fabrications. 117 ۞ Thus the truth prevailed and what they had produced came to nothing: 118 So they were vanquished there, and they turned about, humbled. 119 And the sorcerers prostrated themselves 120 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 121 the Lord of Moses and Aaron. 122 But Pharaoh said: "You have come to accept belief in Him without my permission! This surely is a plot you have hatched to expel the people from the land. You will soon come to know. 123 "Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on apposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross." 124 They said: Lo! We are about to return unto our Lord! 125 Thou takest vengeance on us only forasmuch as we believed the tokens of our Lord when they came unto us. Our Lord! Vouchsafe unto us steadfastness and make us die as men who have surrendered (unto Thee). 126