Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51