He became a prisoner of his own prestige. He was "The Lord of the White Elephant," but he was starving.
He could not sell it, for to sell a gift from the Voivode was treason. He could not give it away, for who would take a burden that would bankrupt them?. The Empty Treasury He became a prisoner of his own prestige
The horse eventually died of old age, leaving Jovan with nothing but a pile of silk and a mountain of debt. When the news reached the palace, the Voivode simply laughed and sent a message: "I have another for you, Jovan. This one is even whiter." Origin of the Phrase White Elephant Explained He could not give it away, for who
"A gift for the most faithful," the Voivode declared. But as the gates of the palace closed, Jovan saw the faint, cruel smile on the ruler's face. This one is even whiter