'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 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 Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Fir'awn said: ye believed in him ere I gave you leave. Verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic, so ye shall surely come to know. Surely I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and surely I shall crucify you all. 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51