'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 And when the magicians came, they said to Firon: Shall we get a reward if we are the vanquishers? 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51