Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He said: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Therefore Moosa put forth his staff – so it immediately began swallowing all their fabrications. 45 The magicians fell down in adoration 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 “We hope that our Lord will forgive us our mistakes, as we are the first to believe.” 51