Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners." 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 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: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51