'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 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 you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 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 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51