Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He said: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 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 it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51