(Pharaoh) said unto the chiefs about him: Lo! this is verily a knowing wizard, 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 And when the wizards came they said unto Pharaoh: Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners? 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 44 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51