Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners." 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 44 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 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 answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51