'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, '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: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you 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 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 They said, “We have accepted faith in the Lord Of The Creation.” 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Fir'awn said: ye believed in him ere I gave you leave. Verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic, so ye shall surely come to know. Surely I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and surely I shall crucify you all. 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51