Valjean

Not another word my son,

There's something now that must be done

You've spoken from the heart

And I must do the same

There is a story, sir

Of slavery and shame

That you alone must know.



I never told Cosette

She had enough of tears

She's never known the truth

Of the story you must hear

Of years ago.



There lived a man named Jean Valjean

He stole some bread to save his sister's son

For nineteen winters served his time

In sweat he washed away his crime

Years ago

He broke parole and lived a life apart

How could he tell Cosette and break her heart?

It's for Cosette that this must be faced

If he is caught she is disgraced

The time is come to journey on

And from this day he must be gone

Who am I?

Who am I?



Marius

You're Jean Valjean!

What can I do

That will turn you from this?

Monsieur, you cannot leave

Whatever I tell my beloved Cosette

She will never believe!



Valjean

Make her believe

I have gone on a journey

A long way away

Tell her my heart was too full for farewells

It is better this way

Promise me, M'sieur, Cosette will never know.



Marius

I give my word.



Valjean

... what I have spoken, why I must go.



Marius

For the sake of Cosette, it must be so.