23 APRIL 1988, Page 24

Ars musics

Sir: I was flattered and delighted that Charles Glass (Diary, 16 April) should find my momentary attack of flatulence a sub- ject of mirth. I have often observed that one's merriment on these occasions is directly in proportion to the power, wealth and importance of the sufferer. When the Pope or the Queen farts, it is extremely funny; were Mrs Thatcher or Mr Lawson to do so, it would be only fairly funny; when really poor people fart, like Christ- opher Booker or Jeffrey Bernard, it is not funny at all but rather sad and even a little disgusting.

It is hard to imagine a subtler compli- ment. I shall go on working hard to make these unfortunate occasions as funny as possible.

Auberon Waugh

Editor, Literary Review, 51 Beak Street, London WI