Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said: "Yea, (and more),- for ye shall in that case be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person)." 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Musa (Moses) threw his stick, and behold, it swallowed up all the falsehoods which they showed! 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51