They were not only outnumbered by those of Octavius, but were far surpassed by them in the efficiency with which they were manned and armed.

Still, it was a very obstinate conflict.

Cleopatra, however, did not wait to see how it was to be finally decided.

As Antony's forces did not immediately gain the victory, she soon began to yield to her fears in respect to the result, and, finally, fell into a panic and resolved to fly.

She ordered the oars to be manned and the sails to be hoisted, and then forcing her way through a portion of the fleet that was engaged in the contest, and throwing the vessels into confusion as she passed, she succeeded in getting to sea, and then pressed on, under full sail, down the coast to the southward.