Vexilla regis prodeunt (Ecclesiastical Latin: [vɛɡˈzilːa ˈrɛːd͡ʒis]; often known in English translation as The Royal Banner forward goes) is a Latin hymn in long metre by the Christian poet and saint Venantius Fortunatus, Bishop of Poitiers. It takes its title from its incipit. In modern English usage, it is sung to a variety of tunes, although the original plainsong melody is the most common variant.