William Shakespeare's tragedy play "Hamlet" revolves around the revenge plot of the murdered king at the hands of his own brother. The new king Claudius had not only taken control of the kingdom but had also married his brother's wife.
Act IV scene iv of the play shows Hamlet and his men discussing about the war between Poland and Norway. Prince Fortinbras had requested help from Denmark, to allow him free passage to get to Norway. It was this way that they were discussing, which prompt Hamlet to ask the captain of the ship why this was important. The captain then told him that they were just fighting over a "patch of ground that’s not worth anything".
without worth; of no use, importance, or value; good-for-nothing: a worthless person; a worthless contract.
Thus, Hamlet learned that the land essentially worthless.
