Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 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 at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 And when the wizards came they said unto Pharaoh: Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners? 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Firaun, indeed victory is ours!” 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 and 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, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord.” 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51