But Butler, tottering on his steed, staggered, and reeled, and sank,
And with him, at the same discharge, went down our leading rank: —
Human nature could endure no more, and the now departing day
Saw us retreating slowly through the town of Monterey.
Another day passed slowly by, and we made our bivouac
Where we fought, for, though our foes were brave, they could not drive us back;
But the morrow brought fresh orders, and our men with hurrying feet
Pressed on again, troop after troop, contesting street by street;
From door to door, from house to house, we fiercely fought our way,
Determined that the night should see us lords of Monterey.