Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man 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 said: "Detain him and his brother for a while and send forth heralds to the cities 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 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 threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Firaun, indeed victory is ours!” 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 The magicians therefore fell down prostrate. 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 [Pharaoh] said, "You believed Moses before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic, but you are going to know. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all." 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51