(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51