'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed 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 lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 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, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51