'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51