Barbra Streisand doesn't mind paying for jokes -- but, as in all things, she wants a bargain.

The last time she went on tour, the deal-diva asked star gag-writer Bruce Vilanch to work up some stage banter. But when it came to talking money, the singer offered Vilanch a wage he found "ridiculously low."

Vilanch, who has written for Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, and practically every awards show, said no way. Streisand asked, "Well, what should I do?"

Vilanch told the antiques maven: "Sell a lamp."

He didn't end up writing for her tour. But now that Streisand is unloading some of her home furnishings at Christie's she's apparently ready to meet his price. After the premiere of his documentary "Get Bruce" Wednesday night, Vilanch told us that Babs has asked him to scribble some shtick for her New Year's Eve extravaganza in Vegas.

The following letter was sent to George Rush at the NY Daily News:

Your September 17 story on why Bruce Vilanch has not written comedy material for Barbra Streisand is thoroughly in error. The real and only reason he hasn't contributed material for any of her professional engagements is that...he wasn't asked to. According to Ms. Streisand's manager, Martin Erlichman, who would have conducted any negotiations, none ever occurred. You must understand that in his career-long representation of Ms. Streisand, only Mr. Erlichman (never his client) has negotiated on her behalf. Other than a couple of lines at award shows where he was the writer, the only time Mr. Vilanch worked with Ms. Streisand was a charity event honoring David Foster when they collaborated on her comments. There have been no discussions between Mr. Erlichman and Mr. Vilanch concerning any concert performances, so it follows that there were never any discussions of money. By the way, Mr. Erlichman has tried to reach Mr. Vilanch to refresh his memory, but has not heard back from him.