Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 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 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 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 his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 Saying: "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 our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51