Abu Basir A'asha was one of the great poets of the pre-Islamic era.  One of his poems known as 'LAMIYYA" is classified among the ten great epics of Arabia.  In his famous eulogy of the Holy Prophet (SAW) he says:
 
        "Whenever you halt to rest at the door of the son of Hashim, you feel relaxed, and are blessed with his magnanimity....
From him comes  charity you cannot miss, and the benefit.  And what you gain today, is not refused tomorrow ..."
 
        A'asha decided to come to Mecca and embrace Islam.  On his way, he met his old friends from the tribe of Quraish.  They asked him about his intentions, and when they learnt that A'asha, the great poet, wished to become Muslim, they were disturbed.

        One of them said: "A'asha, do you know that Muhammad has forbidden fornication and adultery?"
        A'asha replied:  "That does not deter me, for I have never  been a desolate person."
        The other said: "Yes, but he has also forbidden wine and all alcohol drinks."
        A'asha paused, and then said: "Ah! I am fond of drinking, and I don't think I am ready to renounce that habit.  So, this year let me continue drinking to my content, and I shall go next year to become a Muslim."

       A'asha returned and died the same year.

Reference:
Pearls of Wisdom.  A String of Incidents in the History of Islam.  The World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities. Page 7.