Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 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 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 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 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51