Lyrics:

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
Men like you can never change
A man... such as you...

JAVERT AND VALJEAN
(in counterpoint)

Men like you 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!

(They fight, Javert is knocked out. Valjean escapes.)