'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 "And bring up to thee all (our) sorcerers well-versed." 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 And when the wizards came they said unto Pharaoh: Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners? 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51