The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: put off him and his brother, and send unto the cities callers. 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 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 indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51