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 magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 Fir'awn said: ye believed in him ere I gave you leave. Verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic, so ye shall surely come to know. Surely I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and surely I shall crucify you all. 49 They said: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51