'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners." 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 So they cast down their cords and their rods and said: By Firon's power, we shall most surely be victorious. 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 The Lord 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. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51