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: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish 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 his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51