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 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 40 So when the magicians came, they said to Firaun, “Will we get some reward if we are victorious?” 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 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 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51