'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 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 harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51