Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners." 40 So when the magicians came, they said to Firaun, “Will we get some reward if we are victorious?” 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Musa (Moses) said to them: "Throw what you are going to throw!" 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 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: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51