Known in his own day as l'Unico Aretino, he acquired great fame as a reciter of impromptu verse.

He was listened to by large crowds, composed of the most learned men and the most distinguished prelates of the age.

Among others, Cardinal Pietro Bembo left on record a testimony to his extraordinary talent.

[1] He was so highly regarded and received such lavish remuneration by Pope Leo X that he was able to buy the Duchy of Nepi.

His works, under the title Virginia, Comedia, Capitoli e Strambotti di Messer Bernardo Accolti Aretino, were published at Florence in 1513, and have been reprinted several times.