阅读下列短文，根据短文内容填空。在未给提示词的空白处仅填写一个恰当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。

A hunting dog, who had been an excellent one in his time and done good service to his master, finally became worn out because of his old age. One day, when 【小题1】 (hunt) a wild pig, he seized the creature by the ear, but his teeth gave way. He 【小题2】 (force) to let go his hold, and the pig escaped. His master 【小题3】 (severe) scolded him. But the weak dog replied: “Spare your old servant! Remember what I was rather than abuse me for what I am.”