'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He said: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 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 is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51