'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 And when the wizards came they said unto Pharaoh: Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners? 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 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 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51