It was indeed the crisis.
The six cohorts were standing, resting on their shields, in the rear of the extreme right flank of the third line.

They were in an oblique formation.

The most distant cohort extended far back, and far beyond the Caesarian line of battle.

The hearts of the soldiers were in the deathly press ahead, but they were veterans; discipline held them quiet, albeit restive in soul.
On swept the roar of the advancing Pompeians.

What must be done must be done quickly.