21 JUNE 2003, Page 50

White and wrong

From Mr Robert P White

Dear Sir: Were I Mommsen, or Gibbon, or Lecky, I'd still yield the palm to the sage of the Speccie.

His writing's as fine as a choice Mazawatee Or poppet-type valves by Arturo Caprotti, The wisdom of Wincott with wit he sustains, Enriched by the insight of Buffett and Keynes; He entrances our minds, while with laughter we dimple As Bagehot and Beachcomber meet Peter Simple!

And yet, I'm afraid (and I whisper in terror), I fear I've detected a (very small) error.. . Well all overlook it. Forget it forthwith. But Fildes. . dear old Fildes . . well, my

name isn't Smith!

My name may be common, but still. I delight That I am, Sir, Yours faithfully

Robert P. White Edinburgh