Theocritus describes the Cyclops as one who would give anything to be with the one he loves, Galatea. At one point, the Cyclops says that “I’d let you burn my soul and my one eye, the sweetest thing of all of me.” This portion of the ancient writing brought to mind the song “All of Me” by John Legend. Both focus on how they would give up their entire self to be with the one they love. For the Cyclops, it was the one thing that he treasured most which was his eye. For John Legend, it was entire being especially when he says “I give my all to you.” Both focus on the sacrifices that some people are willing to make for love in order for the other person to see how strong the feelings of love are.
However, “All of Me” also focuses on the other person in the relationship. For instance, it speaks about how if the speaker gives all of themselves then the other would also give themselves to the other person in return. In the excerpt from ancient text, the focus is on the things that the Cyclops will be able to give and provide to Galatea. It only says that Galatea “won’t be worse for it” and the it referring to being with the Cyclops.
Theocritus Chapter 11; lines 52-57
“and I’d even let you burn my soul and my one eye, sweetest thing of all to me. O why didn’t my mother bear me with gills so I could have dived down to you and kissed your hand if you won’t let me kissed your mouth and brought you white lilies”