Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 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