dance the antic hay

To lead a life of hedonism. The "hay" was a lively country dance that emerged in the 16th century. Bill doesn't even have a job! He just parties all the time, dancing the antic hay without a care in the world! The young man, free to explore Europe with a sizable sum of money in his pocket, was eager to dance the antic hay and see what pleasures he could find. Edward's always been an academic, so I doubt he has any desire to dance the antic hay.