When Lepidus became aware of this tumult he sprang from his tent to arms. Blows were already exchanged and one of Octavian's armour-bearers was killed. Octavian himself was struck by a weapon on his breastplate, but it did not penetrate the flesh, and he ran and took refuge with his horsemen. A detachment of guards belonging to Lepidus jeered at him as he ran. Octavian was so angry that he could not restrain himself from cutting them off with horsemen and destroying them. The officers of the other guards transferred their allegiance from Lepidus to Octavian, some immediately, others during the night; some without solicitation, others pretending to be coerced more or less by the cavalry.
There were some who still resisted the assault and beat off the assailants,for Lepidus sent reinforcements in all directions;but when these also went over,the remainder of his army,even those who were yet well disposed toward him, changed their opinion.Again the first to move were those Pompeians who still remained with him,transferring themselves by detachments, one after another.Lepidus armed the other body to prevent them from going, but the very men who were armed for this purpose seized their standards and went over to Octavian with the rest. Lepidus threatened and besought them as they took their departure. He held fast to the standards, and said he would not give them up,until one of the standard-bearers
said to him, "Let go, or you are a dead man." Then he was afraid and let go.The last to come over were the cavalry. They sent a messenger to Octavian to ask if they should kill Lepidus, who was no longer a commander. He replied in the negative. Thus Lepidus found himself deserted by all and bereft, in a moment of time, of so exalted a station and so great an army. He changed his costume and hastened to Octavian, all the spectators running with him to enjoy the spectacle. Octavian started up as he approached, and prevented him from throwing himself at his feet, and sent him to Rome in the garb of a private citizen, which he was wearing, deprived of his command, but not of the priesthood, which he held.