Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He said: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 42 Moosa said to them, “Cast whatever you intend to cast.” 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Musa (Moses) threw his stick, and behold, it swallowed up all the falsehoods which they showed! 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 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