Javert's Intervention Lyrics

     [Javert and constables break up the fight.  Valjean
     picks himself up and looks for Cosette, who is with
     Marius.]

Javert
     Another brawl in the square
     Another stink in the air!
     Was there a witness to this?
     Well, let him speak to Javert!
     M'sieur, the streets are not safe,
     But let these vermin beware
     We'll see that justice is done!

     Look upon this fine collection
     Crawled from underneath a stone
     This swarm of worms and maggots
     Could have picked you to the bone!
     I know this man over here
     I know his name and his trade
     And on your witness, M'sieur,
     We'll see him suitably paid.

     [Valjean and Cosette have disappeared.]

     But where's the gentleman gone?
     And why on earth did he run?

Thenardier
     You will have a job to catch him
     He's the one you should arrest
     No more bourgeois when you scratch him
     Than that brand upon his chest!

     [The constables search for Valjean.]

Javert
     Could it be he's some old jailbird
     That the tide now washes in
     Heard my name and started running
     Had the brand upon his skin
     And the girl who stood beside him
     When I turned they both had gone
     Could he be the man I've hunted?
     Could it be he's Jean Valjean?

Thenardier
     In the absence of a victim,
     Dear Inspector, may I go?
     And remember when you've nicked him,
     It was me who told you so!

Javert
     Let the old man keep on running
     I will run him off his feet!

     Everyone about your business
     Clear this garbage off the street!