The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51