The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 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 "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will 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 threw his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 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: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51