Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now 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 unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 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 the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 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 their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51