[akhtene]

I side with Birdland that Gandalf remark was aimed to break the spell of Saruman's voice (well, perhaps any other words + laughter could serve the purpose [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] )

The remark may as well be aimed at Grima "the councellor" who (and Gandalf knew this) was inside together with his master. Gandalf might want to belittle Saruman in the eyes -or ears- of Grima, placing him inferior to the former councellor.