THE SACRIFICE

O PERA in three acts by Frederick Shepherd Converse. Mr. Converse wrote his own libretto. The lyrics are by John Macy. The story takes place in southern California in 1846. Americans are guarding the Anaya mansion, and the American officer, Burton , a baritone, is in love with Chonita , the beauty of the household. Chonita has an old Indian servant, Tomasa , who hates the Americans, yet seems to realize that they will conquer. Chonita , praying in the Mi ion Church desecrated by the invaders, is told by Burton that he has killed a Mexican. Her questions reveal that Bernal is the dead man. But Bernal is wounded, not dead, and he comes into the church. Burton again a ures Chonita of his love and promises to do for her all that a man can do. "You wretched devil, 'tis I she loves," cries Bernal , and he rushes at Burton with a dagger. Chonita throws herself between the two, and is accidentally wounded by the American's sword. Bernal is held a prisoner. In the third act, Chonita is in bed apparently dying. If she could only have her lover she would live, she sings; despair is killing her. Padre Gabriel brings her consolation, and sets a trap for the Americans. Burton brings Bernal that he may sing a love duet with Chonita . She pleads for Bernal's freedom. "He is not a spy." Burton stands between love and duty. To give Chonita happine he is willing to die. The Americans are suddenly attacked and Burton , throwing down his sword, is killed by Mexican rescuers. Tomasa looks at Burton's corpse and sums up the whole tragedy: "'Tis true as ever. Love brings life and death."