'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 Now when the sorcerers came, they said unto Pharaoh: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail. 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 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: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 “We hope that our Lord will forgive us our mistakes, as we are the first to believe.” 51