'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51