Bassanio: Well if that is so, you must accompany me to Belmont. But listen to me, Gratiano.

You are
too reckless, too ill-mannered, and too blunt in your talk. These traits of your character suit you well
enough and in the estimation of your friends like me, do not appear to be faults. But in the presence
of those people, who are not familiar with you, these same traits would appear to be extravagant. I
have to request to make an effort to keep your wild spirit under control by the exercise of a certain
degree of self-restraint and decorum so that I am not misunderstood at the place to which I am going.
If you can put a check on your recklessness, I would not suffer the disappointment of my hopes
because of your rashness in speech.
Gratiano: Signior Bassanio, listen to me. I promise that I shall put up a show that I am a man of a
serious nature, and that I talk with due care. I shall swear oaths only occasionally, and not frequently
(as I do now). I shall carry prayer books in my pocket (to create an impression that I am a religious kind
of man). I shall wear a solemn expression on my face. Not only that I shall do more in this connection
when the usual words of thanks to God are spoken at meal times, I shall cover my eyes in this manner
with my hat, sigh, and say, Amen, as one is expected to say. I shall observe all customary good
manners, and shall speak in a polite voice like a man who has ample practice in maintaining a solemn
appearance in order to keep his grandmother pleased with his behavior. If I do not do these things,
do not trust me any more in your life.
Bassanio: Well, I will watch your manners and behavior, to make sure that you will keep your promise.
Gratiano: No, not tonight. An exception has to be made tonight. You shall not judge me by how we all
behave tonight (before we leave for Belmont).
Bassanio: I agree. It would be regrettable if tonight also you behave in a serious or solemn manner.
On the contrary, I would request you to behave tonight in the most mirthful possible manner because
tonight our friends propose to enjoy themselves. But now I must take leave of you because I have
some business to attend to.
Gratiano: And I must go to join Lorenzo and the others. However, we shall meet you at supper-time.