'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51