Convention of Cintra

By William Wordsworth (1770–1850)

The treaty between the French and English concluded on August 30, by the terms of which the French evacuated Portugal.

NOT ’mid the world’s vain objects that enslave

The free-born Soul—that World whose vaunted skill

In selfish interest perverts the will,

Whose factions lead astray the wise and brave—

Not there; but in dark wood and rocky cave,

And hollow vale which foaming torrents fill

With omnipresent murmur as they rave

Down their steep beds, that never shall be still:

Here, mighty Nature! in this school sublime

I weigh the hopes and fears of suffering Spain;

For her consult the auguries of time,

And through the human heart explore my way;

And look and listen—gathering, whence I may,

Triumph, and thoughts no bondage can restrain.