The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 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, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51