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...

Valjean (in counterpoint) Javert (in counterpoint)
Believe of me what you will Men like me can never change
There is a duty that I'm sworn Men like you can never change
to do No, 24601,
You know nothing of my life My duty's to the law
All I did was steal some bread You have no rights
You know nothing of the world Come with me 24601
You would rather see me dead Now the wheel has turned around
But not before I see this justice done 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
I am warning you Javert You know nothing of Javert
There is nothing I won't dare I was born inside a jail
If I have to kill you here I was born with scum like you
I'll do what must be done! I am from the gutter too!

[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
Whereever 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