The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51