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.”