ACCOLTI, BERNARDO (1465-1536), Italian poet, born at Arezzo, was the son of Benedetto Accolti. 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. His works, under the title Virginia, Comedia Capitoli e Strambotti di Messer Bernardo Accolti Aretino, were published at Florence in 1513 and have been several times reprinted.
His brother, PIETRO ACCOLTI (1455-1532)3 was made cardinal by Julius II. He was abbreviator under Leo X., and drew up in 152o the bull against Luther. In 1524 he became archbishop of Ravenna. Pietro's nephew, BENEDETTO was also a cardinal, under Clement VII., and a writer of Latin verse.