Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 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 it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said Firaun, “You accepted faith in him before I permitted you! He is indeed your leader who taught you magic; so now you will come to know; I swear, I will certainly cut off your hands and your feet from alternate sides, and crucify all of you.” 49 They said, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord.” 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51