Said the Chiefs of the people of Pharaoh: "This is indeed a sorcerer well-versed. 109 He would drive you forth from your land; so what is it that ye enjoin? 110 They said: put him and his brother off, and send unto the cities callers. 111 "To bring all the wise magicians to you." 112 And the sorcerers came unto Pharaoh [and] said: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail." 113 He answered: Yes, and surely ye shall be of those brought near (to me). 114 They said: "O Moses! Either thou shalt throw [thy staff first,] or we shall [be the first to] 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 revealed unto Musa: cast down thy rod. And lo! it was swallowing up that which they had feigned. 117 ۞ Thus was the Truth vindicated and that which they were doing was made vain. 118 Thus they were overcome and made to look abject. 119 And the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 120 saying, "We declare our belief in the Lord of the Universe, 121 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 122 Pharaoh said: 'What! Do you believe before you have my permission? Surely this is a plot you have contrived to drive out the rulers from the capital. So you shall see, 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 The magicians said, "We will certainly return to Our Lord. 125 Thou takest vengeance upon us only because we have believed in the signs of our Lord when they came to us. Our Lord, pour out upon us patience, and gather us unto Thee surrendering.' 126