How would you describe Hale’s view of the hysteria seen in court?

Hale believes in the innocence of some who've been charged, but he also thinks that some of the hysteria must be based on fact. 

HALE: (Pleading.) Charity, Proctor, Charity—what I have heard in her favor I will not fear to testify in court. God help me, I cannot judge her guilty nor innocent…. I know not. Only this consider—the world goes mad, and it profits nothing you should lay the cause to the vengeance of a little girl.