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 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 and said, "Oh, my sorrow over Joseph," and his eyes became white from grief, for he was [of that] a suppressor. 84 They said: by Allah! thou wilt not cease remembering Yusuf until thou art wizened or thou be of the dead. 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 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 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 Replied he: "Do you remember what you did to Joseph and his brother when you were still unaware [of right and wrong]?" 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: "By Allah! indeed has Allah preferred thee above us, and we certainly have been guilty of sin!" 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 Take my shirt and put it on my father's face; his eyesight will be restored; and bring your entire family to me." 93