Les Miserables: 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...

Javert (in counterpoint)
Men like you can never change
Men like me can never change
No, 24601,
My duty's to the law
You have no rights
Come with me 24601
Now the wheel has turned around
ne Jean Valjean is nothing now
Dare you talk to me of crime
And the price you had to pay
Every man is born in sin
Every man must choose his way
You know nothing of Javert
I was born inside a jail
I was born with scum like you
I am from the gutter too!


Valjean (in counterpoint)

Believe of me what you will
There is a duty that I'm sworn to do
You know nothing of my life
All I did was steal some bread
You know nothing of the world
You would rather see me dead
But not before I see this justice done

I am warning you Javert
I'm a stronger man by far
There is power in me yet
My race is not yet run
I am warning you Javert
There is nothing I won't dare
If I have to kill you here
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.)