And so, when they lost all hope of [moving] him, they withdrew to take counsel [among themselves]. The eldest of them said: "Do you not remember that your father has bound you by a solemn pledge before God - and how, before that, you had failed with regard to Joseph? Hence, I shall not depart from this land till my father gives me leave or God passes judgment in my favour: for He is the best of all judges. 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 Jacob said: "Nay, but ye have yourselves contrived a story (good enough) for you. So patience is most fitting (for me). Maybe Allah will bring them (back) all 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 They said: "By Allah! (never) wilt thou cease to remember Joseph until thou reach the last extremity of illness, or until thou die!" 85 He said, "I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know. 86 "O my sons! Go you and enquire about Yusuf (Joseph) and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah's Mercy. Certainly no one despairs of Allah's Mercy, except the people who disbelieve." 87 Then, when they came (back) into (Joseph's) presence they said: "O exalted one! distress has seized us and our family: we have (now) brought but scanty capital: so pay us full measure, (we pray thee), and treat it as charity to us: for Allah doth reward 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 [The brothers] said: "By God! Most certainly has God raised thee high above us, and we were indeed but sinners!" 91 He replied: 'Let no reproach be on you this day. Allah will forgive you He is the Most Merciful of the 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