(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be 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 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going 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 Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 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. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51