Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51