The Runaway Cart

Lyrics

[ONLOOKERS, variously] Look at that Look at that It's Monsieur Fauchelevant Don't approach Don't go near at the risk of your life He is caught by the wheel Oh, the pitiful man Stay away Turn away There is nothing to do There is nothing to do [VALJEAN] Is there anyone here who will rescue the man? Who will help me to shoulder the weight of the cart? [ONLOOKERS, variously] Don't go near him, Monsieur Mayor The load is heavy as hell The old man's a goner for sure It'll kill you as well [VALJEAN attempts to lift the cart but fails. He tries again. They manage to pull FAUCHELEVANT clear.] [FAUCHELEVANT] Monsieur le Mayor I have no words You come from God You are a saint [JAVERT] Can this be true? I don't believe what I see A man your age To be as strong as you are A memory stirs... You make me think of a man From years ago A man who broke his parole He disappeared Forgive me, sir I would not dare... [VALJEAN] Say what you must Don't leave it there... [JAVERT] I have only known one other Who can do what you have done He's a convict from the chain gang He's been ten years on the run But he couldn't run forever We have found his hideaway And he's just been re-arrested And he comes to court today Well, of course he now denies it You'd expect that of a con But he couldn't run forever No, not even Jean Valjean [VALJEAN] You say this man denies it all And gives no sign of understanding Or repentance? You say this man is going to trial And that's he's sure to be returned To serve his sentence? Come to that, can you be sure That I am not your man? [JAVERT] I have known the thief for ages Tracked him down through thick and thin And to make the matter certain There's the brand upon his skin He will bend, he will break This time there is no mistake!