40. `So we may follow the sorcerers if they are the winners ?' 41. And when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, `Shall we have a reward if we are the winners ?' 42. He said, `Yes, and surely then you will be among my favourites.' 43. Moses said to them, `Now throw you what you have to throw.' 44. So they threw down their ropes and their rods and said, `By Pharaoh's honour, it is we who will surely win.' 45. Then Moses threw down his rod, and lo ! it swallowed up all that which they had fabricated. 46. Thereupon the sorcerers were impelled to fall down prostrate; 47. They said, `We believe in the Lord of the worlds, 48. `The Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 49. Pharaoh said, `You have believed in him before I gave you leave ? He is surely your chief who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know the consequences thereof. I will most surely cut off your hands and your feet on account of your disobedience and I will most surely crucify you all.' 50. They said, `It can do us no harm; to our Lord shall WE return; 51. `We do hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, since we are the first among the believers.' 52. And WE revealed to Moses, directing him, `Take away MY servants by night, you will surely be pursued.' 53. And Pharaoh sent summoners into the cities, announcing, 54. `Theses are a small party, 55. `Yet they have offended us; 56. `And we are a multitude fully prepared and vigilant.' 57. So WE turned them out of gardens and springs, 58. And treasures and an abode of honour. 59. Thus it was; and WE gave them as heritage to the children of Israel. 60. And the host of Pharaoh pursued and overtook them at sunrise. |