I do follow here in the chase, not like a hound that hunts, but one that fills up the cry. My money is almost spent; I have been to-night exceedingly well cudgelled; and I think the issue will be, I shall have so much experience for my pains, and so, with no money at all and a little more wit, return again to Venice.
– William Shakespeare
Othello, Act 2, Scene 3. The gullible fool Roderigo, conned by Iago into funding his schemes, is frustrated by his failure to win Desdemona’s heart. Despite all the money he has given Iago, meant to buy gifts for Desdemona but pocketed by Iago instead, Desdemona hasn’t looked Roderigo’s way. Roderigo is almost broke and ready to quit Cyprus and return to Venice. He uses a simile to compare himself to a hound that hunts but has failed to capture his prey.