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 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 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 [Jacob] said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. Perhaps Allah will bring them to me all together. Indeed it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise." 83 He turned away from them and cried: "Alas for Joseph!" And his eyes turned white with grief which he bore in silence. 84 They said: by Allah! thou wilt not cease remembering Yusuf until thou art wizened or thou 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 "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 And when they entered unto him, they said: O Aziz! distress hath touched us and our household, and we have brought poor goods, wherefore give us full measure, and be charitable unto us; verily Allah recompenseth the charitable. 88 He said: Do you know how you treated Yusuf and his brother when you were ignorant? 89 They said: Is it indeed thou who art Joseph? He said: I am Joseph and this is my brother. Allah hath shown us favour. Lo! he who wardeth off (evil) and endureth (findeth favour); for lo! Allah loseth not the wages of the kindly. 90 They said: "By Allah! indeed has Allah preferred thee above us, and we certainly have been guilty of sin!" 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