Synopsis

The action takes place in a rural village in Spain's south-eastern province of Murcia, a region afflicted with water shortages. It is one such shortage which opens up the hostility between Javier and Pencho. The pre-action to the opera is a fight between the two men. On the surface the fight is about water, but their mutual hatred is enhanced by social difference. Javier is the son of Domingo, wealthy and influential, warily respected in the community, whereas Pencho is from a poor background. It is Javier, however, who is seriously wounded in the fight. Pencho flees to North Africa and goes into hiding in Oran. Meanwhile, hoping to secure a pardon for her sweetheart Pencho, Maria del Carmen nurses the injured Javier.

Act I

Voices are heard off-stage, singing to the Blessed Virgin. It is time for Mass in the village. Roque and other young men enter, followed by Andres.. They are joined by Antón, with the mayor's wand of office. The conversation of the men turns to Pencho in his self-imposed exile. They are joined by the wise old Pepuso, who is fiercely attached to old Murcian ways. Anton leaves, and Pepuso continues. He believes that Pencho was the only brave man among them, leaving the rest 'like sheep without a shepherd'. He would like Pencho to return, and has sent him a letter which he believes will bring Pencho back. Don Fulgencio enters. We hear that the priest is ill, as is Javier, whose betrothed is collecting money for a Mass for him.

Maria arrives, accompanied by her friend Fuensanta, collecting coins to pay for a Mass to be offered for the recovery of Javier. Pepuso, whose sympathies lie with Pencho whom he believes Maria has abandoned in favour of her patient, snarls that he would contribute if the Mass were a Requiem, while the other villagers express pity for Maria. Father Don Fulgencio leaves to see his patient, the priest, followed by the others, but Maria detains Pepuso asking him for news of Pencho. He berates her for her betrayal, whereupon she convinces him that she remains true to Pencho, only tending to Javier in order to secure Pencho's pardon. Pepuso, satisfied, swears on his 'homeland and faith' that he will stand by her. Now Maria comes to Javier and his father, Domingo, who sets off to find the doctor. Once the two are alone, Javier professes his love: 'You are the beautiful flower that perfumes my sad life'. She affirms her love for Pencho, to which he responds with a question: why did she not just leave him to die? So mat, she answers, she might ask for forgiveness for Pencho. Javier says he will never give it.

Next, Domingo speaks with Maria. He has spoken to the doctor and believes that only Maria's love can save his son. When Maria refuses, Domingo informs her that he has the weapon with which Pencho inflicted Javier's wound, sufficient incriminating evidence to ensure a death sentence- Maria still refuses.

Suddenly Fuensanta arrives with the news that Pencho is in the village. Maria begs Domingo not to have him arrested. Domingo says he will ensure Pencho's freedom only if Maria promises to marry Javier. She gives her word. The procession enters, singing to the Blessed Virgin. Pencho and his friends appear, defying everyone, to the horror of Maria and Fuensanta.

Act II

Domingo and the mayor, Anton, are playing cards. The mayor remarks that Pencho should be arrested, but Domingo declares that the fugitive can now walk free, while Fuensanta dreams of her own betrothed, believing that Maria is sincere in abandoning her old lover.

Preparations begin for the wedding, discussed by Domingo and Maria's mother, Concepcion, with Anton. Their discussion continues, as Anton leaves. Even Puensanta is under the impression that it will be a happy occasion for Maria. Maria pretends that all is well, until, alone, she expresses her private sorrow.

Pencho arrives. It is the first time that the lovers have been together since the fight a year ago. He is heartbroken for he has heard that Maria is to marry Javier. She explains that she has made a pact with Domingo who, having Pencho's weapon in his possession has enough evidence to charge him for Javier's injury. The pact guarantees Pencho's freedom. Pencho declares that he does not accept the pact. Maria answers that it is too late.

They reaffirm their love for each other. Javier arrives. The two men argue and threaten each other. Pepuso interrupts them and takes Pencho away, while Javier and Maria make to leave together. Domingo returns with an engagement ring for Javier to give to Maria. As the wedding preparations continue, Pencho reappears.

In a bid to break Maria's pact with Domingo he confesses publicly to having injured Javier. Javier, realising that this will cost him his bride, refutes the confession, but Pencho is able to recite the words of the Cartagenian song engraved on the weapon which Domingo is holding as evidence. Domingo and the mayor realise they have no choice but to arrest Pencho. Maria urges him to flee, but Pencho refuses, inviting Maria to make her choice.

Javier is outraged, calling Pencho a coward and challenging him to a duel.

Act III

It is night. Pencho sits alone, while the sound of celebration is heard in the distance. Maria tells Pencho that the horse is ready for them to flee together, but Pencho cannot ignore Javier's insult and will not leave without fighting. They are interrupted by Javier. Domingo arrives to prevent the duel, even encouraging Pencho to take his chance and flee. Next the doctor appears. He takes Domingo aside and tells him that his son is dying, advising him that marriage would be pointless. Domingo tells Pencho that he may stay and take the consequences. Javier overhears and now desires nothing more than to die at Pencho's hands, but Pencho has cooled and refuses to fight.

Javier at last gives in, asks for the blessing of the lovers, and helps them escape.