'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: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Moses threw his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 48 [Pharaoh] said, "You believed Moses before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic, but you are going to know. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all." 49 'There is no harm' they replied, 'for surely to our Lord we are turning. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51