(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are 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 said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51