(c.530-600) Latin poet, born between Cenada and Treviso, Italy. He was educated at Ravenna. About 568 he went to Poitiers whither he was attracted by the renown of Saint Radegunde and her monastery, and where, shortly before his death, he became bishop. When Saint Radegunde received a relic of the True Cross, Fortunatus composed a number of religious poems, two of which, "Vexilla Regis prodeunt" and "Pange Lingua," are read in the Liturgy. He also wrote a poem to Saint Martin and rhythmical prose lives of several saints.