'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 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 unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 So when the magicians came, they said to Firaun, “Will we get some reward if we are victorious?” 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you 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 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will crucify you all. 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51