'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 Now when the sorcerers came, they said unto Pharaoh: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail. 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Musa (Moses) said to them: "Throw what you are going to throw!" 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 at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 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: "There will be no harm. We shall 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