Then when they despaired of him, they retired, conferring privately together. The eldest of them said: Do you not know that your father took from you a covenant in Allah's name, and how you fell short of your duty with respect to Yusuf before? Therefore I will by no means depart from this land until my father permits me or Allah decides for me, and He is the best of the judges: 80 So go back to your father and tell him: "Father! Your son has certainly been guilty of stealing. We did not see him stealing but testify according to what we know, and obviously we had no power to keep watch over that what is altogether hidden from us. 81 Inquire of [the people of] the city where we lodged, and of the caravan with which we travelled. We are telling you the truth.'" 82 He said: nay! yourselves have embellished for you an affair; so seemly patience! Belike Allah may bring them all unto me; verily He! only He is the Knowing, the 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 replied: "I cry my plaint and grief to God, and know from God what you do not know. 86 O sons, go in search of Joseph and his brother, and do not despair of the mercy of God. Only they despair of God's mercy who do not believe." 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 Then they inquired, "Are you Joseph?" He said, "Yes, I am Joseph and this is my brother. God has indeed been gracious to us. One who exercises patience and observes piety should know that God does not ignore the reward of the righteous ones." 90 They said, "We swear by God that He has given preference to you over us and we have sinned". 91 Said he: "No reproach shall be uttered today against you. May God forgive you your sins: for 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