Building the Barricade

Lyrics

[ENJOLRAS] Here upon these stones, we build our barricade In the heart of the city we claim as our own Each man to his duty and don't be afraid Wait! I will need a report on the strength of the foe [JAVERT, disguised as a rebel] I can find out the truth I know their ways Fought their wars Served my time In the days Of my youth! [PROUVAIRE] Now the people will fight [GRANTAIRE] And so they might Dogs will bark Fleas will bite [LESGLES] They will do what is right [ÉPONINE walks to the Rue Plumet where she meets VALJEAN.] [ÉPONINE] I have a letter, Monsieur It's addressed to your daughter, Cosette It's from a boy at the barricade, sir In the Rue de Villette [VALJEAN] Give me that letter here, my boy [ÉPONINE] He said to give it to Cosette [VALJEAN] You have my word that my daughter will know What this letter contains Tell the young man she will read it tomorrow And here's for your pains [VALJEAN gives ÉPONINE a coin.] Go careful now, stay out of sight There's danger in the streets tonight [VALJEAN opens the leader and reads it.] [VALJEAN] "Dearest Cosette, you have entered my soul And soon you will be gone Can it be only a day since we met And the world was reborn? If I should fall in the battle to come Let this be my goodbye... Now that I know that you love me as well It is harder to die I pray that God will bring me home To be with you Pray for your Marius, he prays for you!" [VALJEAN goes in, leaving ÉPONINE alone.]