Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners." 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: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 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 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall 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