The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 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 indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 The magicians fell down in adoration 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of 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, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51