Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will crucify you all. 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51