Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He said: "Yea, (and more),- for ye shall in that case be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person)." 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 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, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51