Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 They said: We believe 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: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51