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 sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said: put off him and his brother, and send unto the cities callers. 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51