'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 said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 And so the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on a certain day, 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51