'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Musa (Moses) said to them: "Throw what you are going to throw!" 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 The magicians fell down in adoration 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 [Pharaoh] said, "You believed Moses before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic, but you are going to know. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all." 49 They said, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51