12 сентября 1740 года встретились давние друзья по переписке Вольтер и король Фридрих II

In his memoirs, the great ironist remembers that he and the king who did not feel quite well talked about immortality of the soul, freedom and Plato’s androgynes over a dinner. Much funnier are the details of another meeting of famous friends. The King of Prussia once offered Voltaire a boat ride. At first, Voltaire gladly agreed but when he saw that there was a leak he quickly jumped out of the boat. “You fear for your life so much,” the king laughed. “And I have no fear.” “Understandable,” Voltaire replied. “There are many kings but only one Voltaire.”