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: put off him and his brother, and send unto the cities callers. 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 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 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 So they threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Firaun, indeed victory is ours!” 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51