(Pharaoh) said unto the chiefs about him: Lo! this is verily a knowing wizard, 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will 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 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51