(Pharaoh) said unto the chiefs about him: Lo! this is verily a knowing wizard, 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are 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 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going 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 threw his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 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 matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51