'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become 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, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 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 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 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 answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51