Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 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 suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (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: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51