'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 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 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, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51