And, despite all that now severs you-yea, despite Harold's new and loveless ties-still clearer than ever it is written in the heavens, that a day shall come, in which you are to be evermore united.
"Harold, Book 10. The Last Of The Saxon Kings"
Edward Bulwer-Lytton
He severs the shoulder from his body, so that it fell down on the ground.
"Four Arthurian Romances "Erec et Enide", "Cliges", "Yvain", and "Lancelot""
Chretien DeTroyes
Wonderful it is with what cutting words, now and then, he severs asunder the confusion; sheers down, were it furlongs deep, into the true center of the matter; and there not only hits the nail on the head, but with crushing force smites it home and buries it....
"Essays Æsthetical"
George Calvert