Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about 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 his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 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; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51