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 Return you all to your father, and say, "Father, thy son stole; we do not testify except that we know; we were no guardians of the Unseen. 81 Enquire of the city wherein we were, and the caravan in which we approached; surely we are truthful men".' 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 And he turned away and said: 'Alas for Joseph' His eyes turned white with the grief he repressed within him. 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 make complaint of my anguish and my sorrow unto God; I know from God that you know not. 86 My sons! Go and try to find out about Joseph and his brother and do not despair of Allah's mercy. Verily only the unbelievers despair of Allah's mercy." 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 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! now has Allah certainly chosen you over us, and we were certainly sinners. 91 He replied: 'Let no reproach be on you this day. Allah will forgive you He is the Most Merciful of the merciful. 92 "Go with this my shirt, and cast it over the face of my father: he will come to see (clearly). Then come ye (here) to me together with all your family." 93