'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you 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 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said Firaun, “You accepted faith in him before I permitted you! He is indeed your leader who taught you magic; so now you will come to know; I swear, I will certainly cut off your hands and your feet from alternate sides, and crucify all of you.” 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 “We hope that our Lord will forgive us our mistakes, as we are the first to believe.” 51