[Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said to the chiefs around him: "Verily! This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer. 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51