Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 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: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51