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 Return to your father and say, 'Father, your son has committed a theft. We testify only to what we know. How could we guard against the unforeseen? 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 [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 And he turned away from them, crying, "Alas for Joseph!" His eyes went white with grief, and he was filled with sorrow. 84 They said: "By Allah! You will never cease remembering Yusuf (Joseph) until you become weak with old age, or until you be of the dead." 85 He replied: "I cry my plaint and grief to God, and know from God what you do not know. 86 Go and seek news of Joseph and his brother. Do not despair of the Comfort of Allah, none but unbelievers despair of the Comfort of Allah' 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: "Do you know what you did with Yusuf (Joseph) and his brother, when you were ignorant?" 89 They said: 'Are you Joseph' 'I am Joseph' he answered, 'and this is my brother. Allah has been gracious to us. Those who keep from evil and are patient, indeed, Allah does not let the wage of the good doers go to waste' 90 'By Allah' they said, 'Allah has preferred you above us all. We have indeed been sinful' 91 He said, 'No reproach this day shall be on you; God will forgive you; 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