Before punishing, place a shot across the bow—provide a clear warning to let people know exactly what negative things will happen should they continue down their current path, but don't actually administer discipline yet.

… Gods damn you freaksome bastard, someone asked me to check!

Again I had an opportunity of asking him a point blank question, and again my delicacy prevented me from forcing another man to confide in me.

No gentry mort hath prats like thine, / No cove e'er wap'd with such a one.