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 magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast down their cords and their rods and said: By Firon's power, we shall most surely be victorious. 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51