'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 So they threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Firaun, indeed victory is ours!” 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, prostrating themselves, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 and 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, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51