Commentary Inf XXVI 79-84

Virgil identifies himself as Ulysses' (and Diomedes') 'author.' Now this is strictly true, since both of them appear (if rather unfavorably) in the Aeneid. Nonetheless, one can understand why some commentators, apparently spurred on by Torquato Tasso (see Campi on these verses [DDP Campi.Inf.XXVI.79-81]), have imagined that Virgil is pretending to be Homer as he addresses Ulysses and Diomedes. However, that he refers to his work as li alti versi ('my lofty verses') probably connects with his earlier description of his Aeneid, 'l'alta mia tragedìa' (my lofty tragedy), at [Inf XX 113]. It seems most sensible to believe that Virgil is speaking whatever language he usually speaks.