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 [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 You may inquire of the dwellers of the city where we were, and of the people of the caravan with whom we travelled. We are altogether truthful in what we say." 82 "No," said (the father). "You have made up the story; but patience is best; God may bring them back to me. He is all-knowing and all-wise." 83 He turned away from them and cried: "Alas for Joseph!" And his eyes turned white with grief which he bore in silence. 84 They said: By Allah, thou wilt never cease remembering Joseph till thy health is ruined or thou art of those who perish! 85 He said: I expose my distress and anguish only unto Allah, and I know from Allah that which ye know not. 86 Go, O my sons, and ascertain concerning Joseph and his brother, and despair not of the Spirit of Allah. Lo! none despaireth of the Spirit of Allah save disbelieving folk. 87 And when they came (again) before him (Joseph) they said: O ruler! Misfortune hath touched us and our folk, and we bring but poor merchandise, so fill for us the measure and be charitable unto us. Lo! Allah will requite the charitable, 88 He said: "Know ye how ye dealt with Joseph and his brother, not knowing (what ye were doing)?" 89 They exclaimed: "Are you indeed Joseph?" He said: "Yes, I am Joseph and this is my brother. Allah has surely been gracious to us. Indeed whoever fears Allah and remains patient, Allah does not allow the reward of such people to go to waste." 90 They said: by Allah! assuredly Allah hath chosen thee above us, and we have been sinners indeed. 91 He said; no reproach upon you today. May Allah forgive you; and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful. 92 Go with this shirt of mine and cast it upon my father's face. He will recover his sight; thereupon come [back] to me with all your family." 93