The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 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, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51