Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 Fir'awn said: ye believed in him ere I gave you leave. Verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic, so ye shall surely come to know. Surely I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and surely I shall crucify you all. 49 They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51