Each sentence below has one or two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Beneath the sentence are five words or sets of words labeled A through E. Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole. 

Example:

 Medieval kingdoms did not become constitutional republics overnight; on the contrary, the change was ----. 

(A) unpopular (B) unexpected (C) advantageous (D) sufficient (E) gradual 

 Ballads often praise popular figures who have performed feats that many perceive as ----, such as defending the poor or resisting ---authority. 

(A) modest .. acceptable

(B) inescapable .. legitimate

(C) insufficient .. overpowering

(D) admirable .. unjust

(E) unbelievable .. tolerable