Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 And when the magicians came, they said to Firon: Shall we get a reward if we are the vanquishers? 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 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: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51