Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 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 you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 49 They said, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51