The text describes the placement of a commemorative plaque with the image of Adam Mickiewicz on the house where the Polish bard stayed in 1848. The placement and unveiling of the plaque in ul. del Pozzetto is described (Source: Tygodnik Illustrowany, Warsaw 1877, Series 3, T:3, pp. 241-242, after: University of Łódź Digital Library).

A modernised reading of the text

Mickiewicz's celebration in Rome.

By a happy coincidence, Italy celebrates twice this year, dedicated to the honour of illustrious Poles. One of them was the placement of a commemorative plaque on the house where Mickiewicz stayed in 1848, when he came to Rome with the legion he had formed; the other was the inauguration of the Copernicus Museum, and both these celebrations are a glorious testimony to the Italian nation, which impartially, dispassionately and yet enthusiastically knows how to adore that which is worthy of adoration, even though it is foreign.

Admittedly, Mickiewicz was no stranger to Italy.... He brought them the loftiest feelings and his activity, sincere and fervent. This great man, as well as a great poet, did as much service to classical Italy as Byron did to Greece. And henceforth between our bard and the Italians there has been forged that thread of deep affection which springs from active sympathy for the oppressed on the one hand, and on the other from gratitude. A noble nation that knows how to be grateful!

After Manin was honoured with a monument in the lovely Venice, freed from the clutches of the queen of the Adriatic, it was Mickiewicz's turn. Last year, the Senate decided to erect a fitting monument in Rome to the immortal creator of Pan Tadeusz, namely a commemorative plaque on the house where the poet had stayed, in ul. del Pozzetto.
On Holy Thursday of this year, the placing and unveiling of this plaque took place with great ceremony, and the moment was preceded by a splendid procession on the Capitoline Hill, following the example of ancient times, when poets and heroes were crowned on this consecrated hill. Mickiewicz deserves both from the Italians.

The celebration on the Capitol is due to Mr Venturi, the trustee of Rome, and his idea. Various difficulties militated against the realisation of this idea. The Capitoline triumph trivialised the less informed, who feared exaggeration. One recalled, however, the words of Cavour, who once said to the House that four are the arch-poets of mankind: Homer, Dante, Shakespeare and Mickiewicz. The great man's sentence tipped the scales in favour of our Adam and ensured his triumph on Capitol Hill. Mr Venturi was victorious, and with him the truth.

The palace of the consuls, dei Conservatori, erected on Capitoline Hill, according to Michelangelo's plans, was designated as the venue for the celebration. This building, adorned with magnificent works of art, serious, beautiful, hosted with dignity within its walls a celebration reminiscent of Rome's finest moments. In the huge hall of the Curacians and Iloratius (so called because of the frescoes adorning its walls), in which stands the colossal statue of Innocent XI, the participants in the celebration gathered, with Mr Venturi at the head. There were Messrs Dominic Berti, former Minister of Education and famous philosopher; Count Mamiani, senator and philosopher; Professor Canonico; Jan Scovari, Mickiewicz's friend from Lausanne; Margrave Guerrieri-Gonzaga, who once received the Mickiewicz legion; Wladyslaw Mickiewicz, the poet's son; Armand Lévy, Adam's friend and companion during his stay in Istanbul, and finally many invited persons, from the highest spheres of knowledge, art and government, in addition to representatives of the Polish colony in Rome.

Above the memorial plaque of the house in rue del Pozzetto, a bust of Mickiewicz is to be placed in a medallion of white marble. However, this matter has not yet been resolved, as there are voices calling for it to be placed on the Capitoline Hill, between images of great men of all times and nations.

nations. This medallion, of which we present a faithful copy in today's issue of the Weekly, was made by Mr Wiktor Brodzki. In the meantime, before this beautiful work is placed according to its purpose, it was used for the celebration on the Capitol Hill. The medallion, crowned with laurels, placed under the monument to Innocent the Pope, drew the gazes of those present, and those who knew the poet personally said that the bust bore an unparalleled resemblance.
The celebration, as was the custom in former times, was honoured by speeches given in turn by the participants. Each added a leaf of recognition and praise to our Adam's wreath of immortality. Mr Venturi was the first to eloquently recall Mickiewicz's services to Italy in 1848, in the War of Independence against Austria.

After him, Mr Mamiani, in a voice trembling with old age and emotion, honouring the memory of the great poet and man, spoke noble thoughts on the brotherhood of nations.... Mr Armand Lévy spoke of Mickiewicz's poetic merits and recalled Cavour's words, which we have quoted above. He was followed by Mr Guerrieri-Gonzaga and Mr Canonico, who spoke, emphasising the need to honour great men by embodying their thoughts in reality. Mr V. Mickiewicz responded to these speeches with words of thanks and deep emotion.

From the Capitol, the solemn procession went to del Pozzetto Street to unveil the commemorative plaque. To the sound of music, and to the cheers of the accompanying crowd, the veil fell and to the eyes of those present appeared a large marble slab, with the inscription:

"ADAMO MICKIEWICZ
POETA DI ALTISSIMA FAMA
IN QUESTA CASA ORDINAVA
PER LE GUERRE DELL'INDEPENDENZA ITALIANA
UN DRAPPELLO DI PRODI POLACCHI
NEL MDCCCXLVII
S. P. Q. R.
XXIX MARZO MDCCCLXXVII",

which means in Polish:

"Adam Mickiewicz, poet of the highest fame, in this house assembled (organized) for the fight for Italian independence a Polish legion, in 1848. the Senate and the Roman people on d. 29 March 1877".

The ceremony ended amid general jubilation. There was a sprinkling of letters and addresses from various parts of Italy, as evidence of general complicity in this beautiful moment in which a noble nation paid tribute, to the memory and merit of a foreign but great newcomer.