Javert:
Valjean, at last,
We see each other plain
`M'sieur le Mayor',
You 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
man like you can never change
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
No, 24601, There is a duty that I'm sworn to do
My duty's to the law You know nothing of my life
You have no right All I did was steal some bread [bad word] with me 24601 You know nothing of the world
Now the wheel has turned around You would sooner see me dead
Jean Valjean is nothing now But not before I see this justice done
Dare you talk to me of crime I am warning you Javert
And the price you had to pay I'm a stronger man by far
Every man is born in sin There is power in me yet
Every man must choose his way My race is not [bad word] You know nothing of Javert I am warning you Javert
I was born inside a jail There is nothing I won't dare
I was born with scum like you! If I have to kill you here
I am from the gutter too! I'll do what must be done!

[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!

[They fight, Javert is knocked out. Valjean escapes.]