'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 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 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51