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: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51