When they despaired of (persuading) him, they went aside to confer. The oldest of them said: "You know that your father has pledged you in the name of God, and you have been guilty of iniquity in the case of Joseph before. I will not leave this place unless my father permits or God decides for me, for He is the best of all judges. 80 "Turn ye back to your father, and say, 'O our father! behold! thy son committed theft! we bear witness only to what we know, and we could not well guard against the unseen! 81 And ask thou in the town in which we were [at the time,] and of the people of the caravan with whom we travelled hither, and [thou wilt find that] we, are indeed telling 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 Then he turned his back to them, and said: "O my grief for Joseph!" His eyes whitened with grief and he was choked up with sorrow trying to suppress his grief. 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 distraction and anguish to Allah, and I know from Allah that which ye know not... 86 Go, my sons, and seek news of Joseph and his brother. Do not despair of God's mercy; none but those who deny the truth despair of God's mercy." 87 When they returned to him, they said (to Joseph): "O Minister, calamity has befallen us and our people. We have brought but a meagre sum, but give us full measure as alms bestowed. God surely rewards those who give alms." 88 Replied he: "Do you remember what you did to Joseph and his brother when you were still unaware [of right and wrong]?" 89 They said, 'Why, art thou indeed Joseph?' 'I am Joseph,' he said. 'This is my brother. God has indeed been gracious unto us. Whosoever fears God, and is patient -- surely God leaves not to waste the wage of the good-doers. 90 They said, "We swear by God that He has given preference to you over us and we have sinned". 91 He replied: 'Let no reproach be on you this day. Allah will forgive you He is the Most Merciful of the merciful. 92 Go, take this shirt, and do you cast it on my father's face, and he shall recover his sight; then bring me your family all together.' 93