[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…
[Javert (in counterpoint):] [ Valjean (in counterpoint);]
Men like me can never change / Believe of me what you will
Men like you can never change / There is a duty that I'm sworn 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:]
Wherever you may hide away
[Valjean:]
And I will raise her to the light.
[Valjean & Javert:]
I swear to you, I will be there!