clare continued as follows : the waves crushed the shore in their embrace north winds blew gainst the stark cliff-face the wanton sea was a rabid dog a seething morass amid clinging fog ; but that a thousand waves could hide the gruesome thing that did arise from the bosom of the sea it came a-stalking onto the shore , its tatters flapping : a man his face all bloated and white , eyes staring and sightless , fists cold and tight ; his dark , dripping locks show up his pallor like a cold stone , or death , and showing no colour ; his lungs , filled with water , give spray as he breathes as he makes for the church , for the one he seeks .