What a man is

I saw a man that came in rags, face deep with wrinkled crags, he spoke softly
told the story of his life, riches a model wife and an error so costly
His tale he told of a business made of gold where he bought and sold internationally
Office in a tower, owned a country bower, a man of power, he acted rationally

Then one day came his way a deal that with a promise he did seal
Nothing signed his word did bind a vow made of steel
Things went bad. if honored he would loose all he had, told to renege on what had occurred
He said no, a man must show that all that a man is, is his word