[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 magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 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: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51