When they had lost all hope of [persuading] him, they withdrew, conferring among themselves. The eldest said, "Do you not know that your father took from you a pledge in God's name. You have already failed with regard to Joseph, so I shall never leave the land until my father permits me to, or God decides [things] for me. He is the best judge! 80 Return you all to your father, and say, "Father, thy son stole; we do not testify except that we know; we were no guardians of 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 [AND WHEN they returned to their father and told him what had happened,] he exclaimed: "Nay, but it is your [own] minds that have made [so terrible] a happening seem a matter of little account to you! But [as for myself,] patience in adversity is most goodly; God may well bring them all [back] unto me: verily, He alone is all-knowing, truly wise!" 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 They said: By Allah! you will not cease to remember Yusuf until you are a prey to constant disease or (until) you are of those who perish. 85 He said: I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah what you do not know. 86 [Hence,] O my sons, go forth and try to obtain some tidings of Joseph and his brother; and do not lose hope of God's life-giving mercy: verily, none but people who deny the truth can ever lose hope of God's life-giving 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 He said: remember ye that which ye did unto Yusuf and his brother while ye were ignorant? 89 They said: "Surely you are not Joseph!" "I am Joseph," he said, "and this is my brother. God has been gracious to us; for God does not verily deprive those who fear Him and are patient of the recompense of those who are good." 90 They said: by Allah! assuredly Allah hath chosen thee above us, and we have been sinners indeed. 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 shirt of mine and throw it over my father's face. He will regain his sight. And bring to me all your family." 93