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 sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51