Before composing Cavalleria rusticana, Mascagni set, word for word, this tragedy by the German poet Heinrich Heine, in the translation by Andrea Maffei. It is a grim story of love, jealousy and death, set in early 19th century Scotland. Prevented from marrying Maria by her father's fierce opposition, Ratcliff challanges and kills all her suitors, until he is turn fatally wounded by Count Douglas. The monologue 'Non altro che delirio' is the climax of the third act,set near the Black Rock, and follows swiftly on the Intermezzo which depicts the dream of the wounded Ratcliff.

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