Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man 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: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 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 magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 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 that which they had devised. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51