He could have died at the stake for his convictions.

But he had not the presence of mind which is proof against a shock, nor the cool judgment which, in the face of death, sees to the end of two roads.

He was no coward, but now he deemed himself one, and in an agony of remorse he flung himself on his face in the long grass.

He had known trials and temptations, but hitherto he had held himself erect; now, like Peter, he had betrayed his Lord.
He lay an hour groaning in the misery of his heart, and then he fell on the text "Thou art Peter, and on this rock--" and he sat up.

Peter had betrayed his trust through cowardice--as he had.