When they despaired of him, they went in private to confer together. The eldest said: 'Do you not know that your father took a pledge from you in the Name of Allah, and that you failed before regarding Joseph? I shall never stir from this land until my father gives me leave or Allah makes known to me His judgement: He is the Best of judges. 80 [And as for you others,] return to your father and say: 'O our father! Behold, thy son has stolen - but we [can] bear witness to no more than what has become known to us; and [although we gave you our pledge,] we could not guard against something that [lay hidden in the future and hence,] was beyond the reach of our perception. 81 Ask the village where we were and the caravan in which we traveled, we speak the truth' 82 Jacob said, "No, but you have yourselves contrived a story. But it is best to be patient. God may well bring them all back to me [in the end]. For He is indeed full of knowledge and wisdom." 83 (Jacob) turned away from them saying, "Alas, Joseph is lost!" He wept continuously in his grief until, in suppressing his anger, his eyes turned white. 84 The sons said: "By Allah! You will continue to remember Joseph until you will either consume yourself with grief, or will die." 85 He said: "I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not. 86 My sons! Go and try to find out about Joseph and his brother and do not despair of Allah's mercy. Verily only the unbelievers despair of Allah's mercy." 87 When they entered Joseph's court, they said, "Noble Prince, hardship has struck us and our people. We have come with a little money, so give us a measure of grain and be charitable to us. God will give the reward to those who give charity". 88 Joseph asked them, "Do you know what you did to Joseph and his brother in your ignorance?" 89 They exclaimed, "Are you indeed Joseph?" He replied, "I am Joseph and this is my brother. God has indeed been gracious to us. The truth is that God does not waste the reward of those who do good, who are righteous and steadfast." 90 They said: "By Allah! indeed has Allah preferred thee above us, and we certainly have been guilty of sin!" 91 He replied: "No blame lies with you today. May Allah forgive you. He is the Most Merciful of all those that are merciful. 92 Take this, my shirt, and cast it over the face of my father; he will become seeing. And bring me your family, all together." 93