Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 Then, when the sorcerers came to Pharaoh, they said: 'Shall we receive a wage if we win' 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 43 So they threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Firaun, indeed victory is ours!” 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 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 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51