Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 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 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Musa (Moses) said to them: "Throw what you are going to throw!" 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Musa (Moses) threw his stick, and behold, it swallowed up all the falsehoods which they showed! 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 They said: 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 said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51