Jean-Marc Natel The Bargain-The Waltz of Treachery Lyrics

VALJEAN
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.
There is a duty I must heed
There is a promise I have made
For I was blind to one in need
I did not see what stood before me
Now her mother is with God
Fantine's suffering is over
And I speak here with her voice
And I stand here in her place
And from this day and evermore

MME. THENARDIER
Let me have your coat M'sieur.

VALJEAN
Cosette shall live in my protection.

THENARDIER
You are very welcome here.

VALJEAN
I will not forsake my vow.

THENARDIER
Take a glass.

MME. THENARDIER
Take a chair.

VALJEAN
Cosette shall have a father now!

***THE WALTZ OF TREACHERY***

THENARDIER
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 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!

VALJEAN
Your feelings do you credit, sir
And I will ease the parting blow
Let us not talk of bargins or bones or greed
Now, may I say, we are agreed?

MME. THENARDIER
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!

M. & MME. THENARDIER
One thing more. One small doubt.
There are treacherous people about.
No offence. Please reflect.
Your intentions may not be correct?

VALJEAN
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.
Come, Cosette. Come, my dear.
From now one I will always be here.
Where I go, you will be.

COSETTE
Will there be children?
And castles to see?

VALJEAN
Yes, Cosette.
Yes, it's true.
There's a castle just waiting for you.

VALJEAN & COSETTE
La la la la la...