(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 And when the wizards came they said unto Pharaoh: Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners? 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 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 it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51