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 sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 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: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51