The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51