When they despaired of moving him, they conferred privily apart. Said the eldest of them, 'Do you not know how your father has taken a solemn pledge from you by God, and aforetime you failed regarding Joseph? Never will I quit this land, until my father gives me leave, or God judges in my favour; He is the best of 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 'No' he (Jacob) said, 'your souls have tempted you to do something. But come sweet patience. Allah may bring them all to me. He alone is the Knowing, the Wise' 83 And he turned away from them, and said: "How great is my grief for Joseph!" And his eyes became white with sorrow, and he fell into silent melancholy. 84 Said [his sons]: "By God! Thou wilt never cease to remember Joseph, till thou art broken in body and spirit or art dead!" 85 He said: "I will address my sorrow and grief only to Allah, and I know from Allah what you do not know. 86 Go, my sons, and seek news of Joseph and his brother. Do not despair of God's mercy; none but those who deny the truth despair of God's mercy." 87 Then, when they entered unto him [Yusuf (Joseph)], they said: "O ruler of the land! A hard time has hit us and our family, and we have brought but poor capital, so pay us full measure and be charitable to us. Truly, Allah does reward the charitable." 88 He said, "Do you know what you did with Joseph and his brother when you were ignorant?" 89 They exclaimed, "Are you indeed Joseph?" He replied, "I am Joseph and this is my brother. God has indeed been gracious to us. The truth is that God does not waste the reward of those who do good, who are righteous and steadfast." 90 'By God,' they said, 'God has indeed preferred thee above us, and certainly we have been sinful.' 91 He replied: "No blame lies with you today. May Allah forgive you. He is the Most Merciful of all those that are merciful. 92 Go with this shirt of mine and cast it upon my father's face; he shall become clear-sighted; and bring unto me all your household. 93