The Confrontation

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.

BOTH

Believe of me what you will

(Men like me can never change)

There is a duty that 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

You know nothing of the world

(My duty's to the law - 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 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)

JAVERT

You know nothing of Javert

I was born inside a jail

I was born with scum like you

I am from the gutter too!