but thingol perceived their hearts , and saw well that desiring the silmaril they sought but a pretext and fair cloak for their true intent ; and in his wrath and pride he gave no heed to his peril , but spoke to them in scorn , saying : 'how do ye of uncouth race dare to demand aught of me , elu thingol , lord of beleriand , whose life began by the waters of cuivienen years uncounted ere the fathers of the stunted people awoke ? '