'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 And when the wizards came they said unto Pharaoh: Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners? 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 “We hope that our Lord will forgive us our mistakes, as we are the first to believe.” 51