Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 The magicians fell down in adoration 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Fir'awn said: ye believed in him ere I gave you leave. Verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic, so ye shall surely come to know. Surely I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and surely I shall 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