The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They said: put off him and his brother, and send unto the cities callers. 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 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 'There is no harm' they replied, 'for surely to our Lord we are turning. 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51