Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 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 Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51