Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 Then, when the sorcerers came to Pharaoh, they said: 'Shall we receive a wage if we win' 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51