Javert

Valjean, at last,

We see each other plain

'M'sieur le Mayor',

You'll wear a different chain.



Valjean

Before you say another word, Javert

Before you chain me up like a slave again

Listen to me! There is something I must do.

This woman leaves behind a suffering child.

There is none but me who can intercede,

In Mercy's name, three days are all I need.

Then I'll return, I pledge my word.

Then I'll return...



Javert

You must think me mad!

I've hunted you across the years

A man like you can never change

A man... such as you...



Valjean (in counterpoint) Javert (in counterpoint)

Believe of me what you will Men like me can never

change

There is a duty that I'm sworn Men like you can never

change

to do No, 24601,

You know nothing of my life My duty's to the law

All I did was steal some bread You have no rights

You know nothing of the world Come with me 24601

You would rather see me dead Now the wheel has turned

around

But not before I see this justice done Jean Valjean is nothing

now

I am warning you Javert Dare you talk to me of

crime

I'm a stronger man by far And the price you had to

pay

There is power in me yet Every man is born in sin

My race is not yet run Every man must choose his

way

I am warning you Javert You know nothing of Javert

There is nothing I won't dare I was born inside a jail

If I have to kill you here I was born with scum like

you

I'll do what must be done! I am from the gutter too!



[Valjean breaks chair and threatens Javert with the broken piece.

Turns to Fantine.]



Valjean

And this I swear to you tonight



Javert

There is no place for you to hide



Valjean

Your child will live within my care



Javert

Whereever you may hide away



Valjean

And I will raise her to the light.



Valjean & Javert

I swear to you, I will be there!



[They fight, Javert is knocked out. Valjean escapes