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