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