The easiest blank to fill is the third blank. “which at least allow him to be quick to judge” gives the clue that position which he occupies gives him the rights to judge others hence the answer is “doctrinaire”. “surprised” and “vocally dogmatic” gives the clue that he is reticent, hence the answer to the first blank is “costive“. Now the second blank contrasts his behavior now to when he was young. Hence the second blank is “dotage”