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 sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 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: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 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 Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will crucify you all. 49 They said: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51