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 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51