The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold, and his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold has a compelling rhythm, and is so serious and martial it cries out for parody.
What can you come up with that preserves the meter?
The Assyrian came down like the fox on the coop, and his cohorts were covered with feathers and poop
It can be fun to play with other senses of "came down".
The Assyrian came down on the side of the truth, and his cohorts all thought it the folly of youth
The Assyrian came down with a case of the croup, and his cohorts all nursed him with hot chicken soup
Or drop the "came down", but keep the military imagery.
The Assyrian attacked in the cold driving rain, and his cohorts considered him wholly insane
My wife contributed
"The Assyrian came down as the crowd roared afar,
Then he opened Door 2 and he won a new car"
and
"The Assyrian came down like the ball in Times Square,
And his cohorts all cheered and cried 'Happy New Year!' "
and the pair
"The Assyrian came down to the compromise price,
And his cohorts all said he was being too nice."
"The Assyrian came down like a junkie in jail,
And his cohorts, disgusted, would not go his bail."
