'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 "And bring up to thee all (our) sorcerers well-versed." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 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 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51