Fir'awn said unto the chiefs around him: verily this is a magician knowing. 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 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 cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 [Pharaoh] said, "You believed Moses before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic, but you are going to know. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all." 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51