[Eric recognizes a certain amount of respect for elves (and by proxy Thranduil) in Morgoth's words there. But at the same time, it makes Eric even more wary. Because he can recognize how much thought is behind this, and that makes it all the much more dangerous. He has seen this sort of drive before, and he knows that there is no question as to what lengths Morgoth might go to achieve his goal.]

If your goal is to scare him, then you have already succeeded many times over. As I am sure you are aware.

Nothing I can say here will make much of a difference as to whether you pursue him or not, will it. [Less a question than a statement.]