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 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will crucify you all. 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51