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 said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 “The Lord of Moosa and Haroon.” 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: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51