Then when they despaired of him they counselled together privately. The eldest of them said: know ye not that your father hath taken an assurance from you before Allah? and aforetime ye have been remiss in your duty in respect of Yusuf; I so will by no means go forth from the land until my father giveth me leave or Allah judgeth for me, and 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 "'Ask at the town where we have been and the caravan in which we returned, and (you will find) we are indeed telling the truth.'" 82 Said Yaqub, “Your souls have fabricated an excuse for you; therefore patience is excellent; it is likely that Allah will bring all* of them to me; undoubtedly only He is the All Knowing, the Wise.” (* All three including Yusuf.) 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 "By God," said they, "you will never stop thinking of Joseph till you are consumed or perish." 85 He replied: 'I complain to Allah of my anguish and sadness. I know from Allah what you do not know. 86 Go, O my sons, and ascertain concerning Joseph and his brother, and despair not of the Spirit of Allah. Lo! none despaireth of the Spirit of Allah save disbelieving folk. 87 When they entered Joseph's court, they said, "Noble Prince, hardship has struck us and our people. We have come with a little money, so give us a measure of grain and be charitable to us. God will give the reward to those who give charity". 88 'Do you know' he replied, 'what you did to Joseph and his brother in your ignorance' 89 They said, "Are you indeed Joseph?" He said "I am Joseph, and this is my brother. Allah has certainly favored us. Indeed, he who fears Allah and is patient, then indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good." 90 [The brothers] said, "By God! Most certainly God has raised you high above us, and we have indeed been guilty!" 91 He said, "No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and 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