'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, '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 said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will 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 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 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: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51