'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, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 So they threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Firaun, indeed victory is ours!” 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51