Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the sorcerers were got together for the appointment of a day well-known, 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 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 lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 “We hope that our Lord will forgive us our mistakes, as we are the first to believe.” 51