Prologue: Valjean Arrested, Valjean Forgiven

[CONSTABLE ONE]
Tell his reverence your story

[CONSTABLE TWO]
Let us see if he's impressed

[CONSTABLE ONE]
You were lodging here last night

[CONSTABLE TWO]
You were the honest Bishop's guest.

[CONSTABLE ONE]
And then, out of Christian goodness

[CONSTABLE TWO]
When he learned about your plight

[CONSTABLE ONE]
You maintain he made a present of this silver.

[BISHOP]
That is right.
But my friend you left so early
Surely something slipped your mind

[The bishop gives Valjean two silver candlesticks]

You forgot I gave these also;
Would you leave the best behind?
So, Messieurs, you may release him
For this man has spoken true.
I commend you for your duty
And God's blessing go with you.

[The constables leave.]

And remember this, my brother,
See in this some high plan.
You must use this precious silver
To become an honest man.
By the witness of the Martyrs,
By the Passion and the Blood,
God has raised you out of darkness:
I have bought your soul for God.