'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: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 Now when the sorcerers came, they said unto Pharaoh: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail. 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh 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, bowing themselves. 46 They said: 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: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51