“This is the Garden of Kadesh. For thirteen generations we have protected it from the unclean. The Turanic Raiders who came before you refused to join and were punished for this trespass. Like theirs, your ship has already defiled this holy place. If you have come to join we welcome you and will spare your ship until all have disembarked. If you have come to consume the garden you will be removed at once.”
One of the first books I remember reading, The Martian Chronicles got me absolutely addicted to science fiction. My old copy looks just like this, maybe a little more worn. It has traveled the globe with me.