Plume and helmet were abased to the dust, shields were cloven, the hauberk rent asunder, ash staves Knapped like reeds, girths were broken, saddles voided, and strong men thrown, and brave men wounded to the death.
"Arthurian Chronicles: Roman de Brut"
Wace
The ash staves Knapped with a shriek, and flew in splinters about the field.
"Arthurian Chronicles: Roman de Brut"
Wace