'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown 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 And when the wizards came they said unto Pharaoh: Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners? 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord.” 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51