Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast down their cords and their rods and said: By Firon's power, we shall most surely be victorious. 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51