Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 He said: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast down their cords and their rods and said: By Firon's power, we shall most surely be victorious. 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51