Fantine’s Arrest

Lyrics

[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 one slice of your pie [FANTINE] I don't want you No, no, Monsieur, 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 slut You've got some gall [BAMATABOIS hits FANTINE with his stick.] 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" Not for the harlots to pick or to choose Or to lead me a dance [FANTINE claws at BAMATABOIS' 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've 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 what ever you may want [BAMATABOIS] Make your excuse to the police [BAMATABOIS, spoken] Guards! [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 hand on this good man here? What's the substance of this brawl? [FANTINE] There's a child who sorely needs me Please Monsieur, 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 [VALJEAN] A moment of your time, Javert I do believe this woman's tale [JAVERT] Monsieur Mayor— [VALJEAN] You've done your duty, let her be She needs a doctor, not a jail [JAVERT] But Monsieur Mayor... [FANTINE] Can this be? [VALJEAN] Where will she end This child without a friend? [To FANTINE.] I've seen your face before Show me some way to help you How have you come to grief In such a place as this? [FANTINE] Monsieur, 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've done— [FANTINE] My daughter's close to dying [VALJEAN] To an innocent soul? [FANTINE] If there's a God above [VALJEAN] Had I only known then... [FANTINE] He'd let me die instead [VALJEAN] In His name, my task has just begun I will see it done [JAVERT] Monsieur Mayor... [VALJEAN, spoken] Take her to the hospital [JAVERT] But Monsieur Mayor! [VALJEAN] I will see it done!