When they will not give a doit to relieve a lame beggar, they will lay out ten to see a dead Indian

When they will not give a doit to relieve a lame beggar, they will lay out ten to see a dead Indian

The quote "When they will not give a doit to relieve a lame beggar, they will lay out ten to see a dead Indian" is from William Shakespeare's play "Othello". This line is spoken by the character Iago, who is known for his manipulative and deceitful nature throughout the play. In this particular scene, Iago is expressing his cynical view of human nature, suggesting that people are more willing to spend money on frivolous or morbid entertainment than to help those in need.

The phrase "a doit" refers to a small Dutch coin, while "lay out ten" likely refers to spending ten times as much money. By juxtaposing the lack of generosity towards a beggar with the willingness to spend money to see a dead Indian, Iago is highlighting the hypocrisy and selfishness of society. The image of a lame beggar evokes sympathy and compassion, yet people are often indifferent or unwilling to help those who are less fortunate. On the other hand, the spectacle of a dead Indian is seen as a curiosity or entertainment, prompting people to spend money to witness something exotic or unusual.

This quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the priorities and values of society, suggesting that people are more interested in spectacle and entertainment than in helping those in need. It also reflects Iago's own cynical and manipulative nature, as he uses this observation to further his own agenda and manipulate those around him.