Grotius' wife observing their negligence, purposed to take advantage of it.

She represented to her husband that it was in his power to get out of prison when he pleased, if he would put himself in the chest that carried his books.

However, not to endanger his health, she caused holes to be bored opposite to the part where his face was to be, to breathe at; and made him try if he could continue shut up in that confined posture as long as it would require to go from Louvestein to Gorcum.

Finding it might be done, she resolved to seize the first favourable opportunity.
It soon offered.

The Commandant of Louvestein[111] going to Heusden to raise recruits, Grotius' wife made a visit to his lady, and told her in conversation, that she was desirous of sending away a chest full of books, for her husband was so weak, it gave her great uneasiness to see him study with such application.