Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 Said Firaun, “You accepted faith in him before I permitted you! He is indeed your leader who taught you magic; so now you will come to know; I swear, I will certainly cut off your hands and your feet from alternate sides, and crucify all of you.” 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51