The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 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 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 Said Firaun, “You accepted faith in him before I permitted you! He is indeed your leader who taught you magic; so now you will come to know; I swear, I will certainly cut off your hands and your feet from alternate sides, and crucify all of you.” 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51