'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 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 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51