Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (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, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51