'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 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