Confrontation

[Javert] Valjean, at last We see each other plain 'M'sieur le Mayor' You'll wear a different chain [Jean 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 Men like you can never change A man, such as you [Javert and Valjean in counterpoint; Valjean in italics] Men like me can never change Believe of me what you will Men like you can never change There is a duty that I'm sworn 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 sooner 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 speak 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] Wherever you may hide away [Valjean] And I will raise her to the light [Valjean and Javert] I swear to you, I will be there! [Valjean knocks out Javert and escapes]