Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 "And bring up to thee all (our) sorcerers well-versed." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 (They said): "We may haply 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: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 [Pharaoh] said, "You believed Moses before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic, but you are going to know. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all." 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51