'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: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51