Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 Now when the sorcerers came, they said unto Pharaoh: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail. 41 He said, 'Yes indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will 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 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will crucify you all. 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51