'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 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 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 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! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51