The Bargain

Hush now
Do not be afraid of me
Don't hide
Show me where you live
Tell me, my child, what is your name?
I'm called Cosette

I found her wandering in the wood
This little child, I found her trembling in the shadows
And I am here to help Cosette
And I will settle any debt you may think proper
I will pay what I must pay
To take Cosette away

What to do? What to say?
Shall you carry our treasure away?
What a gem! What a pearl!
Beyond rubies is our little girl!
How can we speak of debt?
Let's not haggle for darling Colette, Cosette, Cosette!

Dear Fantine, gone to rest
Have we done for her child what is best?
Shared our bread. Shared each bone
Treated her like she's one of our own!
Like our own, Monsieur!

Your feelings do you credit, sir
And I will ease the parting blow

Let us not talk of bargains or bones or greed
Now, may I say, we are agreed?

That would quite fit the bill
If she hadn't so often been ill
Little dear, cost us dear
Medicines are expensive, M'sieur
Not that we begrudged a sou
It's no more than we Christians must do!

No more words. Here's your price
Fifteen hundred for your sacrifice
Come, Cosette, say goodbye
Let us seek out some friendlier sky
Thank you both for Cosette
It won't take you too long to forget

Where I go, you will be
Will you be like a papa to me?
Yes, Cosette, yes, it's true
I'll be father and mother to you