Said Firaun to the court members around him, “He is indeed an expert magician.” 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said: put off him and his brother, and send unto the cities callers. 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Moses threw his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51