'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moosa said to them, “Cast whatever you intend to cast.” 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Therefore Moosa put forth his staff – so it immediately began swallowing all their fabrications. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They said: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51