Pacificus

Pacificus was a disciple of St. Francis of Assisi, born probably near Ascoli, Italy, in the second half of the twelfth century; died, it is thought, at Lens, France, around 1234. He is said to be a favorite friend of St. Francis and believed to have retouched some of St. Francis words to refine the poetic composition and to set it into music. He was tasked by St. Francis to teach the Canticle to his gifted companions and how to communicate in the manner of "jesterly communication". He is thought to have composed the earliest extant poem in vernacular Italian in his ode to the Emperor Henry VI.