In the end , Brutus ' attack was repulsed , and his soldiers routed in confusion , their ranks broken .
Arrows or javelins were largely ignored and the soldiers packed into solid ranks fought face - to - face with their swords , and the slaughter was terrible .
Brutus ' attack was repulsed , and his soldiers routed in confusion , their ranks broken .
Arrows or javelins were largely ignored and the soldiers packed into solid ranks fought face - to - face with their swords , and the slaughter was terrible .