Commentary Par VIII 44

Here we find the much-debated phrase, 'Deh, chi siete?' (Please, who are you?)  Perhaps the solution is simpler than the discussion surrounding it might indicate.  While most of the early commentators either actually take or seem to take this plural voi as honorific, in the sixteenth century Daniello (DDP Daniello.Par.VIII.44-45) objected fiercely, claiming that the text is corrupt and that he had seen another ancient one that reads 'chi se' tu?'.  That reading actually began to be printed for a time, until Scartazzini (DDP Scartazzini.Par.VIII.43-44) did a minute review of the question and settled on the original reading, 'Di', chi siete' (You [sing.], say who you [pl.] are).  The record of the debate shows, however, that before Poletto did so in 1894 (DDP Poletto.Par.VIII.40-45), none had made the only sensible suggestion that this is not only the correct reading (there is much textual evidence on its side, as Scartazzini demonstrated), but (as even Scartazzini failed to see) more than acceptable phrasing on Dante's part and a perfectly sensible way for the protagonist to frame his question: 'You (the one to whom I am speaking), tell who all of the rest of you are' (i.e., at least the three others whom we will meet in the next canto).  Poletto goes on to point out that exactly this sort of construction is found in [Par III 64], where Dante addresses Piccarda: 'Dimmi, voi che siete qui.'  Trucchi (DDP Trucchi.Par.VIII.40-45) returns to the discredited notion that this is an honorific voi for Charles Martel, whom Dante (according to Trucchi) probably addressed in this mode in Florence, forgetting that Charles is not yet recognized by Dante.  Currently, Petrocchi's return to a minority reading ('Deh,' and not 'Di', [chi siete]) rules, but shakily.