Through the grove of San Domingo our general led the way,
Reconnoitring in silence the city as it lay —
When from the Citadel, which frowned scarce half a league before,
We saw a flash of flame leap out, and heard a cannon’s roar:
The enemy were there in force, and we braced us for the fray,
Though retiring for the time before the guns of Monterey.
All day our parties scanned the place; and never had our eyes
Beheld a spot so guarded from all danger of surprise;
Its fortresses apparently all human force defied,
For what nature left unfinished, consummate art supplied: