The elders of Pharaoh's people said: 'Surely this man is a skilful magician 109 who wants to drive you out of your land! " [Said Pharaoh:] "What, then, do you advise?" 110 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 111 to summon every skilful magician to your presence.' 112 And the magicians came unto Fir'awn. They said: surely there is for us a reward if we are the overcomers. 113 Answered [Pharaoh]: "Yes; and verily, you shall be among those who are near unto me." 114 They said: "O Moses! Either thou shalt throw [thy staff first,] or we shall [be the first to] throw." 115 He said: cast ye. Then when they cast down, they enchanted the eyes of the people, and terrified them and brought mighty magic to bear. 116 We said to Moses: "Throw down your staff;" and it swallowed up their conjurations in no time. 117 ۞ Thus was the truth established, and their doings proved in vain. 118 So the (great ones) were vanquished there and then, and were made to look small. 119 And the magicians were obliged to fall prostrate. 120 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds, 121 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 122 Said Pharaoh, "You believed in him before I gave you permission. Indeed, this is a conspiracy which you conspired in the city to expel therefrom its people. But you are going to know. 123 I shall cut off your hands and feet on the opposite sides, and then crucify you all.' 124 They replied, "We shall surely return to our Lord. 125 You would punish us only because we believed in the signs of our Lord when they were shown to us. Our Lord, pour patience upon us, and cause us to die in a state of submission to You." 126