'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 "And bring up to thee all (our) sorcerers well-versed." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 And when the wizards came they said unto 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) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 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 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51