[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 Then, when the sorcerers came to Pharaoh, they said: 'Shall we receive a wage 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: "Throw ye - that which ye are about 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 his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51