And the king said: bring him unto me. Then, when the messenger came to him, he said: return to thy lord, and ask him, what about the women who cut their hands? verily my Lord is the Knower of their guile. 50 (The king) said (to the ladies): "What was your affair when ye did seek to seduce Joseph from his (true) self?" The ladies said: "Allah preserve us! no evil know we against him!" Said the 'Aziz's wife: "Now is the truth manifest (to all): it was I who sought to seduce him from his (true) self: He is indeed of those who are (ever) true (and virtuous). 51 That is so al-'Azeez will know that I did not betray him in [his] absence and that Allah does not guide the plan of betrayers. 52 ۞ But I do not wish to absolve myself, for the soul is prone to evil, unless my Lord have mercy. Indeed my Lord is forgiving and kind." -- 53 The King ordered his men to bring Joseph before him. He wanted to grant him a high office. The King said to Joseph, "From now on you will be an honored and trusted person among us". 54 He said, 'Set me over the land's storehouses; I am a knowing guardian.' 55 Thus did We give full authority to Yusuf (Joseph) in the land, to take possession therein, as when or where he likes. We bestow of Our Mercy on whom We please, and We make not to be lost the reward of Al-Muhsinun (the good doers - see V. 2:112). 56 And undoubtedly the reward of the Hereafter is better, for those who accept faith and remain pious. 57