Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 He said: "Yea, (and more),- for ye shall in that case be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person)." 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 Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51