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 said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So the sorcerers were got together for the appointment of a day well-known, 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 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 indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 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: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51