Fantine’s Arrest

[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! 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!