Our vain, self-important soldier, ironically-named Modestus, is based loosely on the main character from the play Miles Gloriosus (The Swaggering Soldier) by the Roman playwright Plautus.
Roman curses. ROMAN CURSES. Stage 22 title-page: The Vilbia curse-tablet. Found in the sacred spring at Bath, this lead curse-tablet was thrown into the pool by Vilbia's ex-lover; he (or she) hoped the magical powers of the spring would make the curses come true.
A beautiful British barmaid, an arrogant Roman soldier and a jilted lover. Strong passions, high drama, and deadly curses - a tale of the ordinary folk of Aquae Sulis.
Story. Modestus orders Strythio to beat up Bulbus, who defends himself competently until Modestus knocks him out from behind. Vilbia begs Modestus to be merciful and they make a date for later that night. Bulbus overhears and plans revenge.
Story. Strythio flatters Modestus about his inimitable achievements in love and war, and his impact on Vilbia. As they approach Latro’s bar, he recounts that he gave Vilbia, as a gift from Modestus, a brooch given him by another girl.
Story. At the sacred spring in the dark, Bulbus bribes Gutta to distract Modestus by pretending to be Vilbia. Bulbus then surprises Modestus and throws him in the water. Modestus begs for his life and volunteers to give up Vilbia just as she arrives.
Story. In Latro’s bar, Gutta teases Bulbus for losing money as well as his girl. Bulbus says the money does not matter, but Vilbia does. He has put a curse on Modestus and is joyfully awaiting his death. Seeing Modestus arrive in time to hear this, Gutta slips away.