'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going 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 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 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: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51