'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 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, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 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; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51