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 (J))
Valjean (in counterpoint (V))
J) Men like me can never change
V) Believe of me what you will
J) Men like you can never change
V)There is a duty that I'm sworn to do
J) No, 24601
V) You know nothing of my life, all I did was steal some breadJ) My duty's to the law
V) You know nothing of the world
J) You have no right, So come with me 24601
V) You would sooner see me dead
J) Now the wheel has turned around
V) But not before I see this justice done
J) Jean Valjean is nothing nowJ) Dare you talk to me of crime
V) I am warning you Javert
J) And the price you had to pay
V) I'm a stronger man by far
J) Every man is born in sin
V) There is power in me yet
J) Every man must choose his way
V) My race is not yet runJ) You know nothing of Javert
V) I am warning you Javert
J) I was born inside a jail
V) There is nothing I won't dare
J) I was born with scum like you!
V) If I have to kill you here
J) I am from the gutter too!
V) 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 tonightJavert
There is no place for you to hideValjean
Your child will live within my careJavert
Wherever you may hide awayValjean
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.]