Verse 1
* Setting: The poem opens with a description of the moonlit night, with a focus on the "windy" and "wild" atmosphere.
* Introduction of the Highwayman: We meet the highwayman, a dashing figure who is "riding" with a "red coat" and "black mask" on. He's on his way to see Bess, his lover.
* Love Story: We learn about the strong love between the highwayman and Bess, who is a "lady of the manor."
* The Warning: The highwayman is warned by a "timid" "farmer" that the Redcoats are looking for him. He ignores the warning, showing his boldness and confidence.
Verse 2
* Bess's Actions: Bess, anxious about the highwayman's safety, goes to the window to watch for his arrival.
* The Redcoats' Arrival: The Redcoats arrive, led by the "king's" men, and Bess strategically distracts them, allowing the highwayman to pass through the forest.
* Bess's Sacrifice: The Redcoats, suspecting Bess's role in the escape, threaten to "kill" her if the highwayman returns.
* Bess's Loyalty: Bess decides to sacrifice herself for her lover and tells the Redcoats that she'll "shoot" the highwayman if he comes back.
Verse 3
* The Highwayman's Return: The highwayman, unaware of what has transpired, is delayed and finally arrives at his destination. He doesn't see the Redcoats and is full of joy at seeing Bess.
* The Shot: Bess, true to her word, fires a shot at the highwayman, fatally wounding him.
* The Highwayman's Death: The highwayman, realizing his love's sacrifice, dies with her name on his lips.
* Bess's Despair: Bess, in a moment of immense grief, falls dead beside her lover.
Verse 4
* The Highwayman's Ghost: The poem ends with the highwayman's ghost, who appears to a "farmer" on the road, still "riding" with a "red coat" and "black mask" on.
* The Ghost's Love: The ghost is still "haunting" the road, showing the eternal nature of his love for Bess.
* The "Timid" Farmer: The farmer, initially terrified, shows a more profound understanding of the "love" behind the "ghost" story.
Overall Theme
The poem is a dramatic exploration of love, sacrifice, and death. The highwayman's daring and love for Bess are countered by her own desperate acts of devotion and selflessness. The final image of the ghost underscores the enduring power of love even beyond death.