And so, when they lost all hope of [moving] him, they withdrew to take counsel [among themselves]. The eldest of them said: "Do you not remember that your father has bound you by a solemn pledge before God - and how, before that, you had failed with regard to Joseph? Hence, I shall not depart from this land till my father gives me leave or God passes judgment in my favour: for He is the best of all judges. 80 "Go to our father and tell him, 'Father, your son committed theft. We say only what we have seen and we have no control over the unseen. 81 And ask the city in which we were and the caravan in which we came - and indeed, we are truthful," 82 He [Ya'qub (Jacob)] said: "Nay, but your ownselves have beguiled you into something. So patience is most fitting (for me). May be Allah will bring them (back) all to me. Truly He! only He is All-Knowing, All-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 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 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 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 Joseph asked them, "Do you know what you did to Joseph and his brother in your ignorance?" 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 'By Allah' they said, 'Allah has preferred you above us all. We have indeed 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 Take this my shirt and cast it on my father's face, he will (again) be able to see, and come to me with all your families. 93