'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were got together for the appointment of a day well-known, 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 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 threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 [Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said: "You have believed in him before I give you leave. Surely, he indeed is your chief, who has taught you magic! So verily, you shall come to know. Verily, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all." 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 "Verily! We really hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, as we are the first of the believers [in Musa (Moses) and in the Monotheism which he has brought from Allah]." 51