Fir'awn said unto the chiefs around him: verily this is a magician knowing. 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51