Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if 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: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 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: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51