'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 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, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51