'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, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 [Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said: "You have believed in him before I give you leave. Surely, he indeed is your chief, who has taught you magic! So verily, you shall come to know. Verily, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all." 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51