The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 Moosa said to them, “Cast whatever you intend to cast.” 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 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 said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51