Said the Council of the people of Pharaoh, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 109 “He wishes to expel you all from your kingdom; so what do you advise?” 110 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait awhile, and send unto all cities heralds 111 "That they bring up to you all well-versed sorcerers." 112 The magicians came to the Pharaoh and said, "We must have our reward if we are to gain a victory over him (Moses)". 113 He said: "Yes, and moreover you will (in that case) be of the nearest (to me)." 114 They said: O Moses! Either throw (first) or let us be the first throwers? 115 He answered: "You throw [first]." And when they threw down [their staffs,] they cast a spell upon the people's eyes, and struck them with awe, and produced mighty sorcery. 116 Then We directed Moses: 'Now you throw your rod.' And lo! it swallowed up all their false devices. 117 ۞ Thus truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect. 118 So the (great ones) were vanquished there and then, and were made to look small. 119 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves 120 [and] exclaiming: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 121 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 122 Firon said: Do you believe in Him before I have given you permission? Surely this is a plot which you have secretly devised in this city, that you may turn out of it its people, but you shall know: 123 I will cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and then crucify you all' 124 They replied, "We shall surely return to our Lord. 125 Thou takest vengeance on us only forasmuch as we believed the tokens of our Lord when they came unto us. Our Lord! Vouchsafe unto us steadfastness and make us die as men who have surrendered (unto Thee). 126