Quran — Page 164

so constituted that I cannot say anything about God but the truth. I have now come unto you with a clear evidence from your Sustainer: let, then, the children of Israel go with me!"

Said [Pharaoh]: "If thou hast come with a sign, produce it-if thou art a man of truth!"

Thereupon [Moses] threw down his staff, and lo! it was a serpent, plainly visible;

and he drew forth his hand, and lo! it appeared [shining] white to the beholders.

The great ones among Pharaoh's people said: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge,

who wants to drive you out of your land! " [Said Pharaoh:] "What, then, do you advise?"

They answered: "Let him and his brother wait awhile, and send unto all cities heralds

who shall bring before thee every sorcerer of great knowledge."

And the sorcerers came unto Pharaoh [and] said: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail."

Answered [Pharaoh]: "Yes; and, verily, you shall be among those who are near unto me."

They said: "O Moses! Either thou shalt throw [thy staff first], or we shall [be the first to] throw."

He answered: "You throw [first]." And when they threw down [their staffs], they cast a spell upon the people's eyes, and struck them with awe, and produced mighty sorcery.

And [then] We inspired Moses, "Throw down thy staff!" -and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions:

whereupon the truth was established, and vain was proved all that they had been doing.

And thus were they vanquished there and then, and became utterly humiliated.

And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves