Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Musa (Moses) said to them: "Throw what you are going to throw!" 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 cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 [Pharaoh] said, "You believed Moses before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic, but you are going to know. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all." 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51