Fantine's Arrest

Bamatabois

Here's something new. I think I'll give it a try

Come closer you! I like to see what I buy

The usual price, for just a slice of your pie

Fantine

I don't want you. No, no, m'sieur, let me go

Bamatabois

Is this a trick? I won't pay more!

Fantine

No, not at all

Bamatabois

You've got some nerve, you little whore

You've got some gall

It's the same with a tart as it is with a grocer

The customer sees what he gets in advance

It's not for the whore to say `yes, sir' or `no, sir'

It's not for the harlot to pick and to choose

Or lead me to a dance!

Fantine

I'll kill you, you bastard

Try any of that!

Even a whore who has gone to the bad

Won't be had by a rat!

Bamatabois

By Christ you'll pay for what you've done

This rat will make you bleed, you'll see!

I guarantee, I'll make you suffer

For this disturbance of the peace

For this insult to life and property!

Fantine

I beg you, don't report me sir

I'll do whatever you may want

Bamatabois

Make your excuse to the police!

Javert

Tell me quickly what's the story

Who saw what and why and where

Let him give a full description

Let him answer to Javert!

In this nest of whores and vipers

Let one speak who saw it all

Who laid hands on this good man here?

What's the substance of this brawl?

Bamatabois

Javert, would you believe it

I was crossing from the park

When this prostitute attacked me

You can see she left her mark

Javert

She will answer for her actions

When you make a full report

You may rest assured, m'sieur

That she will answer to the court

Fantine

There's a child who sorely needs me

Please, m'sieur, she's but that high

Holy God, is there no mercy?

If I go to jail she'll die!

Javert

I have heard such protestations

Every day for twenty years

Let's have no more explanations

Save your breath and save your tears

`Honest work, just reward,

That's the way to please the Lord'

Valjean

A moment of your time, javert

I do believe this woman's tale

Javert

Valjean

You've done your duty, let her be

She needs a doctor, not a jail

Javert

But m'sieur mayor!

Fantine

Can this be?

Valjean

Where will she end

This child without a friend?

I've seen your face before

Show me some way to help you

How have you come to grief

In a place such as this?

Fantine

M'sieur, don't mock me now, I pray

It's hard enough I've lost my pride

You let your foreman send me away

Yes, you were there, and turned aside

I never did no wrong

Valjean

Is it true, what I have done?

Fantine

My daughter's close to dying

Valjean

To an innocent soul?

Fantine

If there's a God above

Valjean

Had I only known then

Fantine

He'd let me die instead

Valjean

In his name my task has just begun

I will see it done!

Javert

But, m'sieur mayor!

Valjean

I will see it done!

Javert

But, m'sieur mayor!

Valjean

I will see it done!

Voices

Look out! It's a runaway cart!