'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, '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 answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 and 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 said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 and we surely expect that Our Lord will forgive us our sins for we are the first ones to believe." 51