'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: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). 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 'There is no harm' they replied, 'for surely to our Lord we are turning. 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51