'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the sorcerers were got together for the appointment of a day well-known, 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 so that we might follow [in the footsteps of] the sorcerers if it is they who prevail?" 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Musa (Moses) said to them: "Throw what you are going to throw!" 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51