In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each number.
Through the (1) _______ , lonely years of my childhood, when my father’s palace (2) ______ to tighten its grip (3) _______ me until I couldn’t (4) _______, I would go to my nurse and ask for a story. And though she knew many wondrous and edifying tales, the one I made her tell me over and over was the (5) _______ of my birth.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank No. 3.

In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each number.
Through the (1) _______ , lonely years of my childhood, when my father’s palace (2) ______ to tighten its grip (3) _______ me until I couldn’t (4) _______, I would go to my nurse and ask for a story. And though she knew many wondrous and edifying tales, the one I made her tell me over and over was the (5) _______ of my birth.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank No. 3.