Question

the donkey was in a state of profound abstraction: wondering, probably, whether he was destined to be regaled with a cabbage-stalk or two when he had disposed of the two sacks of soot with which the little cart was laden; so, without noticing the word of command, he jogged onward.
rewarded
inventing
straining
punished
contemplating
yelling
belittling
beating
confronted
cogitating →

cudgelling →

regaled →

Explanation:

1. "Cogitating" means deep thinking. From the word bank, "contemplating" has the same meaning as it refers to thoughtful consideration.
2. "Cudgelling" means beating with a stick. "Beating" from the word bank is the closest matching synonym.
3. "Regaled" in the context means being provided with a treat or reward. "Rewarded" from the word bank aligns with this meaning of being given something pleasant for an action.

Answer:

cogitating → contemplating
cudgelling → beating
regaled → rewarded