'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 Saying: "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 said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 "Verily! We really hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, as we are the first of the believers [in Musa (Moses) and in the Monotheism which he has brought from Allah]." 51