The Runaway Cart

[Voices]
Look at that! Look at that
It's Monsieur Fauchelevant
Don't approach! Don't go near
At the risk of your life
He is caught by the wheel
Oh, the pitiful man
Stay away, Turn away
There is nothing to do
There is nothing to do!

[Valjean]
Is there anyone here who will rescue the man
Who will help me to shoulder the weight of the cart?

[Voices]
Don't go near him, Mr. Mayor
The load is heavy as hell
The old man's a goner for sure
It'll kill you as well.

[Valjean attempts to lift the cart... but fails. He tries again. They manage to pull Fauchelevant clear]

[Fauchelevant]
M'sieur le Mayor, I have no words
You come from God, you are a Saint.

(Javert takes Valjean aside)

[Javert]
Can this be true? I don't believe what I see
A man your age, to be as strong as you are
A mem'ry stirs
You make me think of a man, from years ago
A man who broke his parole
He disappeared
Forgive me, Sir, I would not dare!

[Valjean]
Say what you must
Don't leave it there...

[Javert]
I have only known one other
Who can do what you have done
He's a convict from the chain gang
He's been ten years on the run.

But he couldn't run forever
We have found his hideaway
And he's just been re-arrested
And he comes to court today.

Well, of course he now denies it
You'd expect that of a `con'
But he couldn't run forever
No, not even Jean Valjean!

[Valjean]
You say this man denies it all
And gives no sign of understanding or repentance?

You say this man is going to trial
And that's he's sure to be returned
To serve his sentence.

Come to that, can you be sure
That I am not your man?

[Javert]
I have known the thief for ages
Tracked him down through thick and thin
And to make the matter certain
There's the brand upon his skin.

He will bend, he will break
This time there is no mistake.