'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that 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 magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51