When they despaired of him, they went in private to confer together. The eldest said: 'Do you not know that your father took a pledge from you in the Name of Allah, and that you failed before regarding Joseph? I shall never stir from this land until my father gives me leave or Allah makes known to me His judgement: He is the Best of judges. 80 [And as for you others,] return to your father and say: 'O our father! Behold, thy son has stolen - but we [can] bear witness to no more than what has become known to us; and [although we gave you our pledge,] we could not guard against something that [lay hidden in the future and hence,] was beyond the reach of our perception. 81 "And ask (the people of) the town where we have been, and the caravan in which we returned, and indeed we are telling the truth." 82 Jacob said, "No, but you have yourselves contrived a story. But it is best to be patient. God may well bring them all back to me [in the end]. For He is indeed full of knowledge and wisdom." 83 And he turned away from them, crying, "Alas for Joseph!" His eyes went white with grief, and he was filled with sorrow. 84 "By God," said they, "you will never stop thinking of Joseph till you are consumed or perish." 85 He said: I expose my distress and anguish only unto Allah, and I know from Allah that which ye know not. 86 O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people." 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 When Joseph heard this (he could not hold himself and said): "Do you remember what you did to Joseph and his brother when you were ignorant?" 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 [The brothers] said, "By God! Most certainly God has raised you high above us, and we have indeed been guilty!" 91 (Joseph) said, "No one will blame you on this day. God will forgive you; He is more Merciful than others. 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