I believe what had kept them alive was the warmth of the cattle and their milk. I'm not exactly able to get ahold of The Odyssey in my grasp, but when I did read it it was on the lines of them drinking from the utters of the cattle so they could stay alive. And what would revive his spirit? I think it was because he came up with a plan to escape from being locked in there, the plan was based around the men hiding under sheep I believe? If I'm not correct, I am very sorry.. it's hard to get ahold of the book when you don't have it, and not available to old courses lol..