Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He said: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will 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 Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 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 does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51