Shrine of the mighty! can it be

That this is all remains of thee?

Lord Byron 1788-1824: The Giaour. Line 106.

Can such things be,

And overcome us like a summer's cloud,

Without our special wonder?

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Macbeth. Act iii. Sc. 4.

Tell me, my soul, can this be death?

Alexander Pope (1688-1744): The Dying Christian to his Soul.