and at least the eleven secret herbs and spices of triple a did no harm , even though they consistently failed to grow new hair on anyones naked pate , mitra thought , as he made a show of his victorian-age verbosity , spouting unnecessary politeness and elaborate courtesies as he delivered the charming , non-threatening patter that always sold at least a few passers-by a bottle ( and sometimes two ) of his over-priced snake oil .