'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 So they cast down their cords and their rods and said: By Firon's power, we shall most surely be victorious. 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 49 They said, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord.” 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51