Confrontation

Valjean, at last we see each other plain!

Monsieur le Mayor, you'll wear a different chain!

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.

You must think me mad! I've hunted you across the years.

Men like you can never change! A man such as you!

Believe of me what you will. ——Men like me can never change.

There is a duty I'm sworn to do. ——Men like you can never change.

You know nothing of my life. ——No, 24601!

All I did was steal some bread.

My duty is to the law. ——You know nothing of the world.

You have no rights!

You would sooner see me dead. ——Come with me, 24601!

But not before I see this justice done! ——Now the wheel has turned around,

Jean Valjean is nothing now.

I am warning you, Javert. ——Dare you talk to me of crime.

I'm the 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.

And this I swear to you tonight,

There is no place for you to hide,

Your child will live within my care.

wherever you may hide away.

And I will raise her to the light.

I swear to you!

I will be there!