The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 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 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Musa (Moses) said to them: "Throw what 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 threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 49 'There is no harm' they replied, 'for surely to our Lord we are turning. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51