'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 said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 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 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 The magicians fell down in adoration 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51