Fantine's Arrest

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
I don't want you, no, no monsieur let me go
Is this a trick? I won't pay more
No, not at all

You've got some nerve, you little whore, you've got some gaul
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 or to choose or to lead me a dance

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

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 subject of this brawl?
Javert, would you believe it?
I was crossing from the park
When this prostitute attacked me
You can see she left her mark

She will answer for her actions when you make a full report
You may rest assured, monsieur, that she will answer to the court
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
I have heard such protestations
Every day for 20 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

A moment of your time, Javert, I do believe this woman's tale
But Monsieur Mayor
You've done your duty, let her be
She needs a doctor, not a jail
But Monsieur Mayor (can this be?)

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 such a place as this?
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 (is it true what I've done)
My daughter's close to dying (to an innocent soul?)

If there's a God above (had I only known then)
He'd let me die instead
In his name, my task has just begun
(I will see it done) but Monsieur Mayor
(I will see it done) but Monsieur Mayor
I will see it done