[Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said to the chiefs around him: "Verily! This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 Now when the sorcerers came, they said unto Pharaoh: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail. 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they cast down their cords and their rods and said: By Firon's power, we shall most surely be victorious. 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Sustainer 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 answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51