[Bamatabois is a well dressed gentleman.]
Bamatabois
Here`s something new, I think I`ll give it a try.
Come closer you! I like to see what I buy
The usual price, for just a slice of your pie
Fantine
I don`t want you, no, no, M`sieur, let me go.
Bamatabois
Is this a trick? I won`t pay more!
Fantine
No, not at all.
Bamatabois
You`ve got some nerve, you little whore
You`ve got some gall.
It`s the same with a tart as it is with a grocer
The customer sees what he gets in advance
It`s not for the whore to say `yes sir` or `no sir`
It`s not for the harlot to pick and to choose
Or lead me to a dance!
[He hits her with his stick, she claws at his face, drawing blood.]
Fantine
I`ll kill you, you bastard, try any of that!
Even a whore who has gone to the bad
Won`t be had by a rat!
Bamatabois
By Christ you`ll pay for what you have done
This rat will make you bleed, you`ll see!
I guarantee, I`ll make you suffer
For this disturbance of the peace
For this insult to life and property!
Fantine
I beg you, don`t report me sir
I`ll do whatever you may want
Bamatabois
Make your excuse to the police!
[Javert enters, accompanied by constables.]
Javert
Tell me quickly what`s the story
Who saw what and why and where
Let him give a full description
Let him answer to Javert!
In this nest of whores and vipers
Let one speak who saw it all
Who laid hands on this good man here?
What`s the substance of this brawl?
Bamatabois
Javert, would you believe it
I was crossing from the park
When this prostitute attacked me
You can see she left her mark
Javert
She will answer for her actions
When you make a full report
You may rest assured, M`sieur,
That she will answer to the court.
Fantine
There`s a child who sorely needs me
Please M`sieur, she`s but that high
Holy God, is there no mercy?
If I go to jail she`ll die!
Javert
I have heard such protestations
Every day for twenty years
Let`s have no more explanations
Save your breath and save your tears
Honest work, just reward,
That`s the way to please the Lord.
[Fantine gives a last despairing cry as she is arrested. Valjean emerges from the crowd.]
Valjean
A moment of your time, Javert
I do believe this woman`s tale
Javert
But M`sieur Mayor!
Valjean
You`ve done your duty
Let her be
She needs a doctor, not a jail.
Javert
But M`sieur Mayor!
Fantine
Can this be?
Valjean
Where will she end -
This child without a friend?
I`ve seen your face before
Show me some way to help you
How have you come to grief
In a place such as this?
Fantine
M`sieur, don`t mock me now, I pray
It`s hard enough I`ve lost my pride
You let your foreman send me away
Yes, you were there, and turned aside
I never did no wrong
Valjean
Is it true, what I have done?
To an innocent soul?
Had I only known then... Fantine
My daughter`s close to dying
If there`s a God above
He`d let me die instead
Valjean
In His name my task has just begun
I will see it done!
I will see it done!
Javert
But M`sieur Mayor!
Valjean
I will see it done!
Javert
But M`sieur Mayor!
Voices
Look out! It`s a runaway cart!
